Chinese rescuers lifted one of the 22 workers trapped for two weeks after an explosion at a gold mine in the north on Sunday, state media reported.
According to reports, the worker was in poor condition, but no other details were given. The CCTV state broadcaster showed ambulances parked next to technical vehicles at the Qixia mine, a jurisdiction under Yantai in Shandong Province.
Rescuers are in contact with 10 of the workers who were in the mine when an explosion exploded on January 10, while it was still under construction.
Another worker is said to have died while the fate of 11 others is unknown. The tree is said to be stuck 350 meters below the surface of 70 tons of debris. Rescuers drilled additional trees for communication, ventilation and evacuation of survivors.
Surviving workers were offered a nutritious solution, but rescuers are now able to provide regular food and drink, along with clothing and other supplies, Xinhua News Agency reported.
Authorities detained mine administrators for delaying reporting the accident 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 averaged 5,000 deaths a year. However, demand for coal and precious metals continues to cut corners, and two accidents in Chongqing last year killed 39 miners.