Death toll from China mine collapse rises to four, dozens still missing

The death toll from a collapse at a coal mine in northern China rose to four, state media reported, as the search for dozens still missing resumed after a massive landslide hindered progress overnight.

More than 50 people were trapped when a 180-metre-high slope gave way at the open-pit mine in the Inner Mongolia region's Alxa Left Banner area.

Hundreds of rescue workers were dispatched to the remote site, but another landslide later that day temporarily halted efforts to save those trapped beneath the rubble.

Rescuers have since resumed their work, adding that at least four people had been killed in the incident, with six injured and 49 still unaccounted for.

Footage from the broadcaster showed rescue workers in orange overalls and yellow helmets dwarfed by a mountain of rust-coloured rubble, and excavators working to clear some of the debris.

The injured were all currently in stable condition, reported a doctor at the hospital as saying.

State media initially reported that the collapse had affected a "wide area" of the mine operated by the Xinjiang Coal Mining Company.

Police were investigating the collapse, with "the relevant personnel currently under control".

A video posted on social media by a coal truck driver showed rocks cascading down a slope, kicking up clouds of dust that engulfed several vehicles.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has instructed authorities to "do everything possible to search for and rescue the missing people", state media reported.