The death toll from a flooded coal mine in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province stands at seven after rescuers retrieved two more bodies early on Sunday.

Five people were still trapped underground at the Jinli Coal Mine in the Xingnong Township, Jidong County, Jixi City, said Fang Dongchu, vice secretary-general of the Jixi municipal government, on Monday.

"The chances of their survival are slim, but the government will go all out to save them so long as there is a glimmer of hope," said Fang.

More than 150 rescuers and six pumps have been deployed to the rescue operation, Fang said.

About 4,000 cubic meters of water had poured into the shaft and it was expected to be pumped out by about 9 p.m. Monday, he added.

The accident occurred at about 5:30 a.m. Saturday when 22 miners were working underground. Six managed to escape.

Four miners were rescued and are being treated at the Center Hospital of Jixi, where doctors described their conditions as stable.

The mine, owned by the Tianyuan Company, is said to have an annual output capacity of 40,000 tonnes.

Work safety officials said the mine was licensed, it was operating illegally as it had not been authorized by safety inspectors.

Police have detained the mine owner, whose identity is still unavailable.

(Xinhua News Agency April 7, 2009)