Next stage in mine rescue 'to take all day'

It may take all day to prepare for the final stage of the rescue of two miners trapped underground in Tasmania.

Australian Workers Union national secretary Bill Shorten said at around noon NZ time today that the preparation process would be lengthy.

The rescuers have completed their horizontal tunnel to the site where Brant Webb and Todd Russell have been for 13 days. They now have to dig up vertically.

Rescuers at the gold mine in Beaconsfield have been using low charge explosives in an effort to break through the last three metres of rock to reach them.

The Australian newspaper reported today that a rescuer got to within two or three metres above the miners eight days ago, but the route was considered too dangerous.

The paper said rescue teams were forbidden from starting work in the area by mining inspector Fred Sears. However, the more direct and riskiest route remains a "last resort" option.

Earlier this morning Mr Shorten said the trapped men were pleased to hear the sound of rock being blasted.

He said: "The vibrations are not proving to be a problem at the moment. The men now are happier to hear the noise because what the noise means is rescue and home."

Mr Webb and Mr Russell were reported to be well despite their ordeal, but were said to be becoming increasingly frustrated.

The rescue mission had virtually stalled when the rock wall proved much harder than expected.

Co-worker Larry Knight was killed in the original rock fall on Anzac Day.

- HERALD ONLINE STAFF, RADIO AUSTRALIA