Fears for trapped miners as rescuers use explosives

RESCUERS feared two Australian miners would have to spend a 13th night nearly 3,000 yards underground, as a solid rock barrier forced rescuers to use explosives to blast the final stretch of an escape tunnel.

Explosive specialists set off small charges in an attempt to cut through the final yards of rock and free Brant Webb, 37, and Todd Russell, 34. “Work is proceeding steadily and safety remains a key concern,” said Beaconsfield Gold Mine manager Matthew Gill.

“Miners report that we are dealing with some of the hardest rock they have ever worked with, up to five times harder than concrete.”