Operations at Northam Platinum's underground mine have resumed after a safety inspection finally declared the Merensky Reef site secure.

The Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) lifted its ban on mining activity at the site, which was imposed as matter of course after a fire swept through the mine killing nine people.

The mine has been shut since September 21st, but the company said that the order - which relates to section 54 of the Mine Health and Safety Act - had now been lifted.

"The order was set aside subsequent to a presentation made by management to the DME and National Union of Mineworkers dealing with risk assessments, which had been done after the accident and an action plan to be followed before production resumes," the firm revealed in a statement.

Underground activities have now resumed at the mine and will initially focus on remedying any problems with the mine conditions and environment since it has been inactive.

Northam made clear that production would "only be resumed in a working area once that area is made safe".

Total revenue losses since mining operations were halted are estimated at R147 million - with a further R8.5 million worth of damage caused by the fire itself.