Eight miners trapped inside a collapsed gypsum mine in Shandong province have been located by rescuers on Wednesday, according to state media.

The trapped miners have been without food since the cave-in occurred on Christmas day. Rescuers have tried to send them food and drink through holes drilled on the ground.

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The rescue team has revealed that the miners are trapped in two different locations, located some 220 meters deep within the mine. Three of the trapped miners are located in the north end of the pit, while 14 are believed to be in the southwest area.

Currently, four tunnels are being built in an effort to extract the miners, but none have reached them so far due to the mine's complicated makeup, reports CNTV.

Linyi City Mayor Ma Kun said that a collection of limestone, sandstone, shale, karst caves and seeping water has been found underground. Thus, the terrain that rescuers are digging through is constantly changing.

“This makes rescue operations more difficult," said Ma.

Although multiple holes are being dug, the rescuers are currently stuck. As such, personnel are considering whether to use explosives in order to reach the miners faster.

Given the situation, rescuers need to be cautious of the steps they take, according to State Administration of Work Safety deputy director Xu Shaochuan.

“We have to ensure the safety of both trapped miners and the rescue teams," said Xu.

Although rescuers have found some miners and have given them food, the rescue operation is progressing at a slow pace. Time is of the essence for the trapped workers to be rescued.

The collapse is believed to have been caused by abandoned gypsum mines located nearby. Gypsum is a soft mineral used for construction purposes.

The mine's owner, businessman Ma Congbo, reportedly committed suicide. His motives for killing himself is still unclear as of the moment.

Twenty-nine miners were working inside the mine when it collapsed. One died, four were able to escape, seven were already rescued and nine are still missing.

Tagsshandong, Mine, collapsed mine, China Mine Accident, China Mine Collapse