Beijing - Eighteen miners are confirmed dead in a collapsed shaft in north-west China, the official Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday.

At least 28 workers were in the Huisen Liangshuijing mine when the accident happened Tuesday in Shaanxi province, 600 kilometres north of provincial capital Xi-an, according to Xinhua.

Twelve miners were rescued, however two died later in hospital from their injuries.

The cause of Tuesday's collapse was not known.

Accidents kill an estimated 10,000 people annually in Chinese mines. The accidents are often triggered by outdated equipment and poor safety measures, with many occurring at illegal mines. (dpa)