Manchin contacted the Chinese government via the US State Department to offer the expertise and services in West Virginia to help rescue the miners at the Wangijialing operation, a new operation planning to start production later this year.

Manchin’s chief of staff Jim Spears spoke with Chinese Embassy in the United States congressional affairs minister counselor Zhang Ping to offer any help.

At press time, more than 100 miners remained trapped at Wangijialing, which flooded last Sunday.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the trapped miners and their families,” Manchin said.

“West Virginians know how difficult this situation is, and we want to offer our assistance where possible to help get these miners out.”

Spears said state experts could set up a “virtual incident comment post” quickly to provide help to the Chinese mine via telephone and internet connections.

The Chinese Embassy, located in Washington, DC, is keeping in contact with the governor’s office in the event such services are requested.

West Virginia is the second-largest producer of coal overall in the US, behind Wyoming, and the largest producer from underground operations in the country.