Twelve workers trapped underground after an explosion at a gold mine in eastern China a week ago are still alive, according to a note retrieved from the site, the official Xinhua news agency reported, citing local authorities.
A total of 22 workers were trapped in the Hushan mine, in Shandong province, after the blast on 10 January. It was not until 30 hours later that the accident was reported, however, leading to severe criticism of those responsible and the sacking of two senior local officials.
Xinhua provided no further details on what the retrieved “paper slip” said, but it said rescuers also felt people pulling on iron ropes that had been lowered into the mine, which was still under construction.
The condition of the other 10 workers was unclear, Xinhua said.
The news agency reported earlier on Sunday that when rescuers knocked on a drilling pipe, they heard knocking sounds in response.
The workers’ communication system was damaged in the blast, while debris blocking the mine shaft and the late reporting of the accident have also hampered the rescue effort.
The mine is owned by Shandong Wucailong Investment Co, which China’s fourth-biggest gold miner, Zhaojin Mining Industry Co, describes as a “subsidiary of an associate”.
Zhaojin has not commented publicly on the accident.
Mining accidents are common in China, where the industry has a poor safety record and regulations are often weakly enforced. In December, 18 miners died in a carbon monoxide leak at a coal mine in the southwestern city of Chongqing.
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