An Associated Press report said hopes of finding the missing miners have been declared minimal after a methane blast ripped through the tunnels at the Zasyadko underground coal mine on Sunday.

Ukraine President Viktor Yushchenko declared a national day of mourning on Tuesday and ordered a full investigation into the cause of the blast.

An AFP report said funerals for the dead miners had begun on Tuesday and flags across the country flew at half-mast.

According to the AFP report Zasyadko, unlike about 75% of Ukraine's coal mines, was well ventilated and not classified as dangerous; however, the depth of the mine had created problems.

Coal mines in Ukraine generally reach depths of more than 1km underground, double those of European mines.

Also of concern is the Ukraine mine policy of paying workers by the amount of coal they extract which can often lead to workers ignoring safety frameworks in a bid to boost production.