Infrared camera finds survivors after deadly mine collapse

A rescue team using an infrared camera have found missing Chinese miners who have been trapped more than 200m underground since Christmas day.

Footage from China state broadcaster CCTV shows rescuers crowded around monitors on Wednesday in Shandong province as they lower a camera down a specially drilled hole in search of the missing workers.

The moment eight miners are discovered still alive is a cause for jubilation by the camera operators.

"Look, there's someone's hand. I see it," a rescuer says.

The trapped miners communicated with the rescue team via a microphone, asking for food, water and a torch to be lowered to them.

Plans for a rescue attempt are being organised now the group has been located.

The Gypsum mine collapse killed at least one person and nine workers are still missing.

The owner of the mine, Ma Congbo, committed suicide on Sunday after the disaster, which was caused by abandoned mine shafts nearby.

The collapse reportedly triggered a magnitude 4.0 earthquake in the area, WVTM13 reports.

Gypsum is a mineral used in the manufacturing of chalk and fertiliser.