Rescuers worked to reach another 38 believed to be still trapped inside.

The workers were wrapped in blankets and rushed to ambulances where they were in stable condition, local media said.

The miners were part of a larger group of 261 working in the Wangjialing mine when it flooded on March 28. Rescuers were able to reach 108 miners immediately after the flooding.

Monday's rescue, which began shortly after midnight, comes two days after tapping was heard from within the mine.

Mine accidents are common in China. In 2009, 2,631 people were killed in such accidents. The figure, while high, is down from 2002 when 6,995 people died.