Workers trapped in the Hushan gold mine in Shandong province in China by an explosion since January 10 may wait another 15 days for rescue as the escape route is blocked, local media reported.
A total of 22 workers were trapped underground after an explosion at the Hushan mine in Qixia, a large gold mining region on the northeast coast, according to Reuters. It is confirmed that one has died and 11 are known to be alive. The other 10 are missing.
Previously, the survivors were contacted and food and medicine were sent.
Rescuers hope to use a single 711mm shaft to transport survivors to safety. However, removing the obstacles may take at least another 15 days, Gong Haitao, deputy head of Yantai's propaganda department, said at a press conference at the rescue headquarters.
About 600 people are involved in the rescue operations, 25 ambulances, neurosurgeons, traumatologists and psychologists are on site.
Chinese mines are among the deadliest in the world. According to the National Mine Safety Administration, 573 mine fatalities were reported in 2020.
