Chinese rescuers drilled deep into the ground Thursday in an increasingly desperate bid to save 21 miners now trapped for almost two weeks, with one confirmed dead and still no signs of life from over half of the missing workers, state media reported.

China rescuers prepare escape route for trapped gold miners, one confirmed dead

Workers trapped in a Chinese gold mine for more than nine days received more medical and food supplies on Tuesday, including bandages, blankets and porridge, but one of the group is in a critical condition with a severe head injury, state media said.

Mine workers trapped in China ask for sausage and pickles

Twelve workers trapped underground after an explosion at a gold mine in eastern China a week ago are still alive.

12 Chinese miners trapped by blast last week are still alive