The explosion reportedly took place in the Zhujiadian coal mine in the northern province of Shanzi last Wednesday, while 65 miners were working underground.
Latest reports say twenty-one people have been rescued while the missing remain trapped some 3,000 feet below ground.
"The search for the eight missing miners continues, but the hope of finding them alive is growing dimmer," said the coal mine management bureau official in Luliang, a city in Shanxi province.
Before the weekend, rescuers were unable to enter the mine because of a high concentration of gas in the pit. By Saturday, it was reported that the mine’s ventilation system was restored and rescuers were trying to pump fresh air into the mine.
