Almost a month has passed and 4 miners still remain trapped 220 meters underground of a gypsum mine cave-in in Pingyi county, east China's Shandong province. The rescuers are now closer to finally reach the miners.
The rescue efforts are now focused on drilling a tunnel down to the spot where the survivors are last located. through this tunnel, an escape capsule which has been tested repeatedly will be used to lift the trapped miners one by one. Periodic pauses have been taken in order to ensure it is safe to drill on.
The miners are being given food, water, and other vital supplies to through an smaller-scaled passage. The mine collapsed on December 25, trapping 29 miners working underground. Since then, 11 have escaped or been rescued, one was confirmed dead, and 13 remain missing.
