AT APPROX.4:30 AM, 6 EMPLOYEES ATTEMPTED TO ENTER THE MINE BY WAY OF THE ELEVATOR. WHEN THE ELEVATOR STARTED DOWN, IT STOPPED 2-4 FT. BELOW THE SURFACE LANDING DUE TO A GREEN RAG CAUGHT IN THE SHEAVE WHEEL IN THE BOTTOM OF THE PIT AREA. EMPLOYEES EXITED THE ELEVATOR AT 5:30 PM AND THE RAG WAS FOUND AROUND 8:30 PM.