Xinhua reported that six pumps were operating and 15,000 cubic metres of water had been pumped out of the flooded shaft by late Tuesday, with the water level dropping by 15cm.

The State Administration of Work Safety blamed mine management for overcrowding the operation and for not evacuating workers despite reports of water leakage, Bloomberg reported.

A death toll has not yet been released for the accident, which trapped 153 workers on Sunday, though later reports revised this number to 123.

The colliery was under construction and 108 workers were safely lifted to the ground after underground water flooded the area.

The US state of West Virginia has already offered the mine assistance with the rescue.