Rescuers from China brought to the surface one of the 22 workers trapped for two weeks after an explosion at a northern gold mine, state media reported.
According to reports, the worker was in a weak condition, but no other details were given. State CCTV station showed ambulances parked next to engineering vehicles at the Qixia mine, a jurisdiction under Yantai, Shandong Province.
Rescuers are in contact with ten of the workers who were at the mine when an explosion erupted on January 10 while it was still under construction.
Another worker was reported dead while the fate of another 11 is unknown. It is reported that the shaft is blocked 350 meters (1,000 feet) below the surface by 70 tons of debris. Rescuers have drilled additional axes for communication, ventilation and evacuation of survivors.
Surviving workers had been given a nutritious solution, but now lifeguards can provide food and drink regularly, along with clothing and other supplies, state news agency Xinhua News reported.
Authorities have arrested mine managers for delaying notification of the crash for more than 24 hours. The cause of the explosion has not been announced.
Increased surveillance has improved safety in China’s mining industry, which used to reach an average of 5,000 deaths a year. However, demand for coal and precious metals continues to cause the corner cut, and two accidents in Chongqing last year killed 39 miners.