There were 32 miners lifted to safety after the mine flooded at about 10pm on Friday but nine miners were left trapped.

Of those, three have been rescued, three are still missing and three are dead.

According to Xinhau, the water levels in the mine have dropped as rescue efforts continue.

The three miners rescued at around 6.30am on Monday were in a stable condition when found and had been hospitalized, Xinhau reported.

It is unclear why the flood occurred but investigations are underway.

Eight principals from the Yunda coal mine were taken into police custody after the accident and the mine has had all official licenses required for production revoked.

Guizhou Province deputy governor Wang Jiangping said the government would show "zero tolerance" to those responsible for the accident and the principals will be dealt with according to the results of the investigation.

Production at all other coal mines in the area has been suspended, pending an overhaul, according Xinhau.