Rescuers believe it could take at least another two weeks to free miners trapped underground in eastern China, dashing hopes of an imminent retrieval for a group that has already spent 12 days entombed by an explosion.

The increasingly desperate attempt to save 21 workers has been further complicated by a massive blockage that has delayed drilling efforts, according to state media.&nbsp;

"The obstacles are just too huge, which means we need a least another 15 days or even more to reach the miners," said Gong Haitao, deputy head of the local publicity department, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

The debris standing in the way weighs about 70 tons, Gong said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-rescuers-prepare-escape-route-for-trapped-gold-miners-one-confirmed-dead-358263">China rescuers prepare escape route for trapped gold miners, one confirmed dead</a>

The blast at the Hushan mine in Shandong province sealed 22 workers hundreds of metres underground on January 10.

On Sunday, contact was made with 11 miners stuck at one location around 580 metres (1,900 feet) below the surface, and much-needed food and medical supplies were lowered down to them.

One of the group of eleven was seriously injured in the initial explosion and has been confirmed dead after suffering head injuries and falling into a coma.

A twelfth miner is believed to be trapped on his own, 100 metres further down in rising waters.

For the other 10 miners, hopes are dwindling as they have not been heard from since the explosion.

To extract the group, rescuers are trying to widen one of the shafts to eventually allow the workers to be brought up to the surface.

But progress has been slow because they are drilling through granite, according to officials.

State TV footage Friday showed large piles of unearthed debris at the rescue site, and a drill boring down through a deep shaft.

Official news agency Xinhua reported that the miners have been trying to help search for the missing group using laser pointers and loudspeakers, but have received no reply.

Rescuers have lowered life detectors and nutrient solutions into other sections of the mine as well, without response.

Mining accidents are common in China, where the industry has a poor safety record and regulations are often weakly enforced.

In December, 23 workers died after becoming stuck underground in the southwestern city of Chongqing.

Rescuers believe it could take at least another two weeks to free miners trapped underground in eastern China, dashing hopes of an imminent retrieval for a group that has already spent 12 days entombed by an explosion.

Rescuers believe it could take at least another two weeks to free miners trapped underground in eastern China, dashing hopes of an imminent retrieval for a group that has already spent 12 days entombed by an explosion. The increasingly desperate attempt to save 21 workers has been further complicated by a massive blockage that has delayed drilling efforts, according to state media. "The obstacles are just too huge, which means we need a least another 15 days or even more to reach the miners," said Gong Haitao, deputy head of the local publicity department, according to state broadcaster CCTV. The debris standing in the way weighs about 70 tons, Gong said. Also read| China rescuers prepare escape route for trapped gold miners, one confirmed dead The blast at the Hushan mine in Shandong province sealed 22 workers hundreds of metres underground on January 10. On Sunday, contact was made with 11 miners stuck at one location around 580 metres (1,900 feet) below the surface, and much-needed food and medical supplies were lowered down to them. One of the group of eleven was seriously injured in the initial explosion and has been confirmed dead after suffering head injuries and falling into a coma. A twelfth miner is believed to be trapped on his own, 100 metres further down in rising waters. For the other 10 miners, hopes are dwindling as they have not been heard from since the explosion. To extract the group, rescuers are trying to widen one of the shafts to eventually allow the workers to be brought up to the surface. But progress has been slow because they are drilling through granite, according to officials. State TV footage Friday showed large piles of unearthed debris at the rescue site, and a drill boring down through a deep shaft. Official news agency Xinhua reported that the miners have been trying to help search for the missing group using laser pointers and loudspeakers, but have received no reply. Rescuers have lowered life detectors and nutrient solutions into other sections of the mine as well, without response. Mining accidents are common in China, where the industry has a poor safety record and regulations are often weakly enforced. In December, 23 workers died after becoming stuck underground in the southwestern city of Chongqing.

Rescuers say at least two more weeks to free Chinese miners

Meghalaya miners rescue: Supreme Court questions govt on its immediate action plan

The divers of Indian Navy who went inside the inundated mine in the search of the 15 trapped miners in East Jaintia Hills returned disappointed on Sunday after diving upto 70 feet deep.

Despite the deep dive, the team was not able to reach the ground level. SK Singh, Assistant Commandant, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said, "Divers have come out now.&nbsp;They have said that the depth of water is too much. They dived till 70 feet down but still have not been able to reach the ground level."

"Water is chilling which makes it difficult for divers to carry out the operation. We are trying our best. Tomorrow Navy Team will go inside with sophisticated equipment that they have. We are hoping for a better output tomorrow," said the official.

Earlier in the day, Navy divers went inside the inundated coal mines to rescue 15 miners who are trapped inside since December 13. A 15-member diving team of the Navy from Vishakhapatnam arrived at Meghalaya on Saturday.

The diving team of the Navy which arrived on Saturday is equipped with specialised equipment, including high-pressure pumps and a re-compression chamber and remotely operated vehicles capable of searching underwater.

The Indian Air Force had also provided two aircraft to Meghalaya government for airlifting specialist personnel of the NDRF from Odisha for helping in the rescue operations. Union Defence Ministry has promised all help to the state government.

The 15 miners have been trapped in a 370-feet deep illegal mine in Lumthari village here since December 13, when the water from the nearby river Lytein flooded the mine.

The divers of Indian Navy who went inside the inundated mine in the search of the 15 trapped miners in East Jaintia Hills returned disappointed on Sunday after diving upto 70 feet deep.

The divers of Indian Navy who went inside the inundated mine in the search of the 15 trapped miners in East Jaintia Hills returned disappointed on Sunday after diving upto 70 feet deep. Despite the deep dive, the team was not able to reach the ground level. SK Singh, Assistant Commandant, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said, "Divers have come out now. They have said that the depth of water is too much. They dived till 70 feet down but still have not been able to reach the ground level." "Water is chilling which makes it difficult for divers to carry out the operation. We are trying our best. Tomorrow Navy Team will go inside with sophisticated equipment that they have. We are hoping for a better output tomorrow," said the official. Earlier in the day, Navy divers went inside the inundated coal mines to rescue 15 miners who are trapped inside since December 13. A 15-member diving team of the Navy from Vishakhapatnam arrived at Meghalaya on Saturday. The diving team of the Navy which arrived on Saturday is equipped with specialised equipment, including high-pressure pumps and a re-compression chamber and remotely operated vehicles capable of searching underwater. The Indian Air Force had also provided two aircraft to Meghalaya government for airlifting specialist personnel of the NDRF from Odisha for helping in the rescue operations. Union Defence Ministry has promised all help to the state government. The 15 miners have been trapped in a 370-feet deep illegal mine in Lumthari village here since December 13, when the water from the nearby river Lytein flooded the mine.

Meghalaya miners rescue: Navy divers return without any trace of trapped miners

Meghalaya miners rescue: 15-member team of navy divers to join rescue operation

15 miners trapped in a mine in Meghalaya; Hopes for survival fades

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