Mr Shoigu and Mr Tuleyev briefed the President on the rescue and cleanup operations at the Raspadskaya Mine, where the blasts occurred, and said that all means possible are being used, including additional personnel and equipment sent in from neighbouring regions.
Mr Tuleyev said that efforts to rescue the trapped miners as swiftly as possible are continuing.
Two methane blasts occurred at the Raspadskaya Mine during the night, causing victims. More than 300 miners were underground at the time, but most of them have now been evacuated from the mine.