Chinese miners trapped by blast a week ago are alive – state media

At least 12 of 22 gold miners survived the blast in eastern Shandong province, note sent to surface suggests

Twelve workers trapped underground after an explosion at a gold mine in eastern China a week ago are still alive, according to a note retrieved from the site, the official Xinhua news agency reported, citing local authorities.

A total of 22 workers were trapped in the Hushan mine, in Shandong province, after the blast on 10 January. It was not until 30 hours later that the accident was reported, however, leading to severe criticism of those responsible and the sacking of two senior local officials.