SABC reports the bodies were brought to the surface on Friday and all were yesterday identified by family members at the Middelburg Hospital mortuary. 

The men were allegedly pulling copper cable out of the mine when there was an explosion. 

Almost 20 people were trapped underground. 

The mine was closed last year when it was placed under business rescue. 

Police spokesperson, Leonard Hlathi, says 16 of the 17 bodies were Lesotho nationals and one was South African.

Meanwhile, Mineral Resources Minister, Gwede Mantashe, says the number of people dying in the country's mines has declined, but illegal mining is still a big problem. 

Speaking on the sidelines of an ANC election campaign visit to Ackerville in Emalahleni, Witbank, he said government was working hard to further improve health and safety conditions at mines. 

He added, however, mines had no control over illegal mining and criminal activities on their premises, such as the recent events at Gloria coal mine.

SABC/ANA