18 miners still trapped in gold mine fire

Around 18 miners were still trapped underground after a fire broke out at the Kusasalethu Gold Mine near Carletonville, the Harmony Gold Mining Company said on Sunday.

"Around 468 have been brought to the surface and around 18 are still underground," said spokeswoman Charmane Russell.

"No injuries or fatalities have been reported [and] the fire has now been contained."

Specially trained rescue teams were attempting to rescue the remaining employees.

"A fire started on the mine's 75 level, approximately 2,300 metres below surface, at around 09.40am this morning."

Some of the miners had used refuge bays underground which were supplied with fresh air, water and telephone communication to surface.

The fire was believed to have started during maintenance work on a bulk air cooler.

All operations at the mine had been suspended.