China gold miners rescued early after cavities in shaft discovered-official

China Gold International Resources

25/01/2021 07:21

* Interactive graphic of mine rescue: https://tmsnrt.rs/3qFD0XO

    SHANGHAI, Jan 25 (Reuters) - Eleven Chinese gold miners
trapped underground after an explosion were rescued much earlier
than expected thanks to steel pipes supporting blockages in the
mine shaft, according to state-media, as the search continued
for 10 others.
    An air ventilation shaft, which was the most feasible way to
bring up the workers, had been cleared to a depth of 368 metres
(1,207 feet), Xiao Wenru, chief engineer for the mine rescue,
told Xinhua News Agency on Monday.
    "It is at this location we discovered that there were some
steel pipes supporting the blockage ... there is almost no
blockage under the steel pipes," said Xiao.
    Xiao told Xinhua on Sunday there had been a breakthrough in
rescue efforts after clearing some blockages and finding the 
"cavities underneath".
    The 11 miners were rescued on Sunday, with most of them in
good condition, after 14 days trapped underground, although 10
workers remain unaccounted for.  urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL1N2JZ025 
    Officials had earlier said the trapped workers may have to
wait another 15 days before they could be rescued due to a
blockage along their intended escape route. The workers had been
able to receive medical and food supplies while they were
trapped.  urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL1N2JW0PJ  urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL1N2JU15Q
    China's mines are among the world's deadliest. The country
recorded 573 mine-related deaths in 2020, according to the
National Mine Safety Administration.
    The Jan. 10 explosion in the Hushan mine in Qixia, a major
gold-producing region under the administration of Yantai in
coastal Shandong province, trapped 22 workers about 600 metres
(2,000 feet) underground. 
    One miner is known to have died. More than 600 rescuers have
been on the site working to reach the men.
    

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 (Reporting by Emily Chow; Editing by Michael Perry)
 ((emily.chow@thomsonreuters.com; +862120830020; Reuters
Messaging: emily.chow.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))