At least 12 workers trapped in China gold mine are still alive -Xinhua

China Gold International Resources

17/01/2021 21:07

Jan 17 (Reuters) - Twelve workers who were left 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 on Sunday, citing
local authorities.
    A total of 22 workers were trapped in the Hushan mine, in
Shandong province, after the blast on Jan. 10. 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.  urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL4N2JQ2PV
    Xinhua provided no further details on what the retrieved
"paper slip" said, but added that 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 Ltd,
which China's fourth-biggest gold miner, Zhaojin Mining Industry
Co Ltd  1818.HK , describes as a "subsidiary of an associate."
    Zhaojin has not commented publicly on the accident.

 (Reporting by Tom Daly; Editing by Peter Cooney)
 ((tom.daly@thomsonreuters.com; +86 10 5669 2119;))