By Zhang Han and Cui Fandi

January 20, 2021 - Rescuers have sent bottled nutrients, medicine and bandages underground and talked with the trapped miners in Qixia, East China's Shandong Province via phone, local authorities revealed on Monday, after a hope-sparking note from the survivors sent to the rescuers.

A total of 22 workers were trapped in the Hushan gold mine after a fatal blast on January 10. The latest update on Monday said that 11 miners are trapped at 350 meters below ground and one is trapped at 400 meters in the gold mine in Qixia. Another 10 miners have not yet been found.

Rescuers try to make contact with trapped miners at the explosion site of a gold mine in Qixia City, east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 18, 2021.

A phone line has been set up and the rescuers will communicate with the trapped and search for the missing miners via their help, according to a Monday press conference.

There are still many difficulties ahead, said a member of the rescue team. The rock layer formed from a volcanic eruption is harder than many other mines, and the aquifer makes it difficult to drill.

Besides, explosion debris and intertwined power, water, communication channels have also hindered the drilling work. An official said that the rescue is a race against the clock given mounting water levels.

The first sound of hope arrived late on Sunday, when the rescuers heard knockings on the drill pipes. The miners later took supplies and responded with a wet note written in pencil, saying "We hope the rescue will continue, and we will have hope. Thank you."

This photo shows a paper slip retrieved on Jan. 17, 2021 from underneath a blasted gold mine, saying that 12 workers trapped in are still alive with the other 10 in unclear situation in Qixia City of east China's Shandong Province.

The message confirmed the location of 12 miners, with four of them injured, and continued "Now, everyone down here has serious physical problems and urgently needs stomach medicines, painkillers, anti-inflammatory medicine and medical tape."

"Due to the lack of air circulation in the well, the concentration of smoke is dense, and water is overflowing the place."

Since then, the rescue forces have sent more supplies, including 100 bottles of nutrients, 60 vitamin pills and antiseptic gauze.

The explosion took place on the afternoon of January 10. But it was not reported to local authorities until 30 hours later, as the mine owner misjudged the difficulties of the rescue. A large-scale rescue started upon the report, but frontline rescuers are not optimistic as time ticks away.

The survival of some miners cheered the 15 rescue teams of 532 members who are working around the clock. Some 388 machines and pieces of equipment have been deployed for the rescue work.

Families of the trapped miners in Qixia have arrived at the rescue site. The rescue team has set up a special working group to provide information and psychological  support for the families.

The note also impressed netizens who are highly concerned about the victims, and amazed at the miners' toughness and calmness.

"We found you and the next step is to bring you back. Do not lose hope and be strong!" an internet user posted.

Many people recalled the miracle of the 2010 Chile mining accident in Copiapo, where 33 miners, trapped 700 meters underground, were all rescued after 69 days.

Before their survival message was sent to the surface, those miners endured 17 days of complete darkness.

An employee Shandong Wucailong Investment Corp, which owns the gold mine, told the Global Times on Monday that the company's senior managers are discussing the proper handling of affairs concerning the incident.

Rescue workers are seen early on Monday morning as they race to rescue miners trapped underground in Qixia, East China's Shandong Province. A total of 22 workers were trapped in the Hushan gold mine after a fatal blast on January 10.

Photo: xinhua

Due to the delay in reporting the incident, the legal person of the company has been detained and the officials responsible removed from their posts. Shandong provincial authorities have established an investigation team on the incident, and they vowed not to let go a single person responsible.

The National Mine Safety Administration under the Ministry of Emergency Management has ordered a nationwide inspection of all mines lasting until March. The checklist includes production and safety equipment, proper handling of goods, routes and supplies for emergency evacuation.