The rescue work is conducted on site. [Photo: Xinhua]

A new relief well is being drilled at a mine site in Shandong to get access to 4 of 17 miners trapped underground at the site.

The four are trapped in a separate area where the rest are thought to be located.

Crews are trying to get to the four men initially, as there are concerns their area may become flooded.

Peter Eicher is a senior supervisor with one of the companies on the site helping with the rescue operations.

"We have to look going slowly down, not to damage the tunnel top. We have to drill slowly. So we need time," said Eicher.

Currently, the four are said to be in stable condition.

The gypsum mine on the outskirts of the city of Linyi collapsed on Christmas Day with 29 people underground at the time.

One is confirmed dead, while 11 others have been pulled alive.