An underground fire which broke out at a DRDGOLD mine in South Africa on November 22 claimed the life of a mineworker who died of smoke inhalation, according to reports.

DRDGold spokesperson James Duncan said production at the shaft has been halted, as fire-fighting and rescue workers struggled to bring the fire under control a day later. The fire broke out some 2,700 metres below the surface but its cause was yet unknown. The other mine employees were evacuated safely.