Society

Mine that trapped 11 miners operating illegally

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-06-04 18:56

Rescuers install pumps at the scene of the flooded mine, June 4, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

JINCHENG, Shanxi - Initial investigations show the flooded mine that trapped 11 miners Thursday in North China's Shanxi province was operating illegally, local authorities said Friday.

The provincial government ordered Donggou Coal Mine to stop production by the end of 2009, but it ignored the order, said Shi Zhongmao with the Jincheng Anthracite Mining Group which runs the mine.

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The 11 miners were still unaccounted for as of Friday noon and rescuers were busy draining water, said Shi.

Six pumps were in use as of 6 am Friday. Each can pump out 450 cubic meters of water per hour.

About 4,800 cubic meters of water was in the pit Friday morning, and more water was gushing in. All the water may not be able to be pumped out, said Zhang Jiti, in charge of publicity at Jincheng Group.

"Eighty-six miners were underground when the accident happened and 75 were lifted to the ground safely," Shi said.

The accident occurred at about 5 am. Thursday at the Donggou Coal Mine run by the Jincheng Anthracite Mining Group in Zezhou county of Jincheng city.