MOSCOW, March 20. /TASS/. The situation at the Pioneer Mine where a rock collapse happened earlier is complicated, Deputy Minister of Emergencies Anatoly Suprunovsky said.

"The situation in the mine is complicated but all measures will be taken to search for and rescue people. The main issue is the safety of personnel working in the mine, the official said, cited by the press service of the ministry.

Operations at the site continue round the clock inside and outside the mine, the ministry informed. "More than 1,200 cubic meters of water have been pumped out as of now; about 3,100 cubic meters of soil were removed," the press service said. Four infill isolating stoppings are being erected in the mine to prevent groundwater ingress. Mine excavations are being ventilated.

Overall, about 230 people are engaged in search and rescue operations.

A rock collapse occurred on March 18 at the Pioneer goldmine in the Amur Region. According to the Ministry of Emergencies, thirteen people are trapped inside. Rescue operations are underway in the mine, complicated by water ingress.