In what has been described as a miracle, two miners trapped nearly a kilometre underground for more than five days have been discovered alive.
Just after 7.30pm (AEST) tonight, the Beaconsfield Gold Mine company said Todd Russell, 35, and Brant Webb, 36, had been located and "indications are they are still alive''.
Their workmate, 44-year-old Larry Knight, was killed when an earthquake on Tuesday night caused a rockfall, trapping the three men underground.
Mr Knight's body was retrieved on Thursday.
The news of the two men's survival spread quickly through the small town of 1000 near Launceston, with many rushing to the mine site.
Beaconsfield Gold Mine manager Matthew Gill said the rescue was continuing.
Rescuers expect to complete their mission and bring Russell and Webb to the surface tonight.
Camera clue to miners' whereabouts
A form of radio or camera communication was used to establish that two miners missing underground in Tasmania were still alive, the men's union said.
"I understand there's been some form of radio monitoring and communication to understand that these guys are alive,'' Australian Workers Union national secretary Bill Shorten told Sky News.
"Whether it's by camera or two-way radio I can't verify that yet.''
Mr Shorten added: "What I'm hearing from the people on the ground is something good is happening.
"Obviously if this is the case, Beaconsfield is the centre of a mining miracle.
"Rescuers are working as hard as they can. As was said at the outset, mine management, the workers, everyone is working together."
Mr Shorten said rescuers had been working around the clock, excavating "slowly, steadily, but safely''.
United Church Community Minister Frances Seen said she was in church praying when Todd Russell's mother came running in with the news.
"Todd Russell's mother came running in singing out 'they're alive, they're alive, they're alive','' she told Sky News. "And she cried and hugged us and it was exciting."
Reverend Seen said Mr Russell's brother had reported that a camera had "gotten through to them'' and they were still alive and that they ``seemed to be okay''.
"They've called in all the miners in to start work getting them out,'' she said.
"And they'll have them out tomorrow so it's going to still be a little bit of time but at least they're still alive. It's wonderful. We can celebrate now.''
Todd Russell's brother Stephen said the family did not yet know the full story. ``It's great news,'' Mr Russell said.
