The mine in the city of Yuzhou in Henan province was hit by a "sudden coal and gas outburst", Xinhua news agency said, adding that a rescue operation was under way.
Last year 2,631 Chinese miners were killed, according to official statistics, but independent labour groups say the true figure is likely to be much higher as many accidents are believed to be covered up.
The high fatality rate is generally blamed on inefficiency and corruption in the sector, with coal mining particularly accident-prone.
The government has repeatedly vowed to shut dangerous mines and strengthen safety but the accidents continue with regularity as mine operators work to pump out the coal on which China relies for about 70% of its energy.
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