2010-07-16 17:34

HANGZHOU - A lead and zinc mine in East China's Zhejiang province began caving in Wednesday after days of heavy rain, and threatens to contaminate a lake, local authorities said Friday.

Slag entered a tributary of Qiandao Lake when the mine in Zitong yown, Chun'an county, caved in Wednesday and Thursday.

The water in the tributary has turned gray but no fish death or drinking water problems have been reported.

Four water quality monitoring points have been established and work crews are digging a channel to divert flood water away from the mine.

The mine is operated by Hangzhou Qiandao Lake Minerals Co. Ltd.