Newer developments have emerged in the gold-mine
accident that took place in the eastern Chinese city of Qixia
located in the Shandong province on January 10.

As per recent reports by AFP, rescuers have been successful
in drilling several fresh holes on Tuesday to gain access to at least 12 gold
miners, who were trapped underground for nine days.

Also read: Chinese rescuers drill new holes in a continued effort to save trapped miners

After days without any response, the trapped miners
on managed to send up a note attached to a metal wire that the rescuers had
dropped inside on Sunday.

The note urged immediate help, stating at least a
dozen of them were alive but were also surrounded by water and stressed on
getting medical supplies.

Reportedly, 22 workers were stuck 540 metres (1,750
feet) below the surface in Hushan mine in the Shandong province due to an
explosion which damaged the entrance, the exit ladder as well as the communications
system inside the mine.

Also read: ‘Thank you’: Miners trapped underground in China thank rescue team

The note further mentioned that several miners were
injured, while an eventual phone call revealed that 11 of the miners were in one
location 540 metres below the surface, while one, said to be alone and a further 100 metres down.

Earlier on Sunday afternoon, rescuers drilling
down, heard “knocking sounds”.

Out of the 22, 10 other miners are still untraceable.

Reportedly, three channels have been dug up, and
food, medicine, paper and pencils have been sent down through shafts to those who are trapped.