Rescuers are close to reaching a man that has been trapped underground for days at an Australian-owned mine in Indonesia.

The worker, Pak Mursalim Sahman, was caught following a ‘geotechnical event’ at Newcrest’s Gosowong Kencana gold mine.

“The event caused damage to a number of mining levels,” Newcrest said.

“The Kencana mine was evacuated immediately after the event and all personnel have been accounted for, except for one employee who is believed to be trapped approximately 300 metres underground.”

Newcrest says it has been working around the clock to rescue the miner, and has now made a breakthrough.

“Earlier this morning we broke through into the chamber where Pak Mursalim is located after completing the boring of a 70 centimetre diameter hole approximately 38 metres deep,” Newcrest said.

“This is a significant milestone in developing our primary rescue option. Before we attempt final extraction we will need to line the bore hole so that we can safely bring Pak Mursalim up.

“It is expected that lining the hole will take several days.”

The rescuers are also working on a second extraction option using a lateral development drive from the main decline to reach Pak Mursalim’s location.

Reports say the trapped miner is in good health, and has been able to communicate via a telephone line.

But Newcrest cannot say when he will be out.

“I am not able to give a definitive timeframe at this stage,” Newcrest CEO Sandeep Biswas said, “but rescue work is taking place around the clock”.