Do the trapped miners have enough oxygen to survive?

Question

Rob Moore, vice president of Murray Energy Corp., co-owner of the Crandall Canyon Mine. (which recently collapsed, trapping several miners), said on Sunday that oxygen readings and video images taken from the fourth hole had changed his mind about the miners' probable fate.

The article goes on to say:
"Oxygen levels in the hole are just 11 to 12 percent, incompatible with life. Normal oxygen levels are 21 percent."

After some checking, most experts and other internet materials say that air with oxygen below 7 to 8% is too low to sustain human life, but most major cities only have about 11 to 12%!

So what makes the mining company think 12% is too little to survive, when millions of people in New York and L.A. survive on the same amount?

Are they incorrect or am I missing something?

Aside of the starvation factor and the risk of bleeding and infections from injuries sustained, is this enough oxygen to survive?

Answer 1

The oxygen levels are depleting fast down there. Just a week ago it was at 20% which was perfect. It may be one of those things like a few years ago when only one miner from Virgina got out alive. But it wasn't even close to two weeks. Thats a long time to live without any food, but I do know that they found fresh water down there when they put the little camera in the hole. I doubt anyone will survive, and the news agrees. Just look at the yahoo home page.

Answer 2

Let's see, they have been down there two weeks today. At best they might have had lunches with them and the low oxygen levels.

STARVATION. Had you not thought of that?
Yes, you are missing something. A human can only live so long without food and water.

Answer 3

they have already lost 3 people trying to get to them and many others injured. as sad as it is sometimes you just have to count your losses and stop.