South African miner Northam Platinum has denied that investigations into the fire at its underground mine have been definitively concluded after a series of allegations surfaced yesterday.

The platinum firm has been at pains to make clear that details released to the press yesterday - namely that the company was aware of problems with a conveyor belt that started the blaze before it took place - are false.

The accident, which occurred in September, claimed the lives of nine miners at the site, causing the mine to be shut down amid investigations into its safety.

Reports on I-Net Bridge yesterday suggested that more effective fire fighting equipment and a second escape route could have helped, but Northam has today issued a strong statement denying the story.

Northam says that the accusations concerning the mine, located near Thabazimbi, are part of "a preliminary report, dated November 2004".

"This report contains various incorrect statements and findings. These matters will be addressed at a formal inquiry and inquest which will be held in due course."

Northam says the details that have been released pertain to an order issued by the Principal Inspector in the immediate aftermath of the fire, which has been complied with.

The platinum miner insists it is "committed to continued support for a fully transparent, investigative process".

Total revenue losses as a result of the cessation of mining operations have been estimated at R147 million - with a further R8.5 million worth of damage caused by the fire itself.