China's mining industry is frequently hit by deadly accidents [Reuters]

China's Xinhua news agency said on Tuesday that rescuers were trying to send food and water to 12 workers in the mine in Guangxi autonomous region.

The agency said they were still trying to contact the other 24 thought to be trapped up to two kilometres below the surface.

Another 20 miners escaped from the mine earlier.

The incident is the latest to hit China's mining industry, which is the world's deadliest.

Last year explosions, floods and cave-ins claimed the lives of about 3,800 people according to government data.

Labour rights groups say cover-ups by unscrupulous owners and corrupt local officials mean the real death toll is likely much higher.

Recommend this article...

Did you enjoy this article? Please bookmark it onto: