Attempts have been made to reach the workers since the explosion occurred about 240 meters from the entrance to the mine. According to rescue workers quoted by Xinhua, food, medical supplies, blankets and bundles of nutrient solution were transferred to a shaft to the ten workers, who showed a “gradual improvement” in their physical condition.
According to state media, rescue teams are hoping to pull the miners through a 711 millimeter (28 inch) diameter. Rescuers drilled into the mine shaft for 18 hours, but heavy debris could delay efforts.
Gong Haitao, deputy head of Yantai’s publicity department, told a news conference on Thursday that the minas shaft was blocked 350 to 446 meters (1,100 to 1,400 feet) with 70 tons of debris below the surface.
“Although the efficiency (of the rescue work) has improved since the 20th, it will take at least 15 days to clear the rescue channel in the main shaft due to the large extent of the obstacles,” Gong said.
The miners have been trapped underground for 12 days.
Gong added that rescuers are trying various ways to remove the obstacles, including the use of powerful machinery and the use of more rescue workers.
Concern is growing for the miners who have not been contacted. Some of the workers in the room are trying to help rescuers locate their missing colleagues using laser pointers and speakers, but they have not received a response, Xinhua reported.
Rescuers also drilled smaller canals to other parts of the mine, reducing nutrient solutions and other means of detecting respiration or movement, but no signs of life were found.
Rescue workers apparently heard knocking noises for the first time on January 17, followed by pulling iron ropes. On Monday, miners were able to get a note from rescuers. “We are very exhausted and in dire need of stomach medicine, painkillers, medical tape, external anti-inflammatory drugs, and three people have high blood pressure,” Xinhua was quoted as saying.
