Chile Miners See the Light

Published by: Irv on 9th Oct 2010 | View all blogs by Irv

Chile Miners Break Through With Plan B

Chile- The AP reported Saturday that 33 miners trapped for an agonizing 66 days in a San Jose mine were finally reached by a drill punching through for a rescue attempt.

The ordeal has included international press, rescue workers and a tent city of concerned family members. The rescue team celebrated the milestone of "Plan B" drill penetrating over 2,000 feet after 33 days of drilling while two other rescue drills were repeatedly driven off course.

"We still haven't rescued anybody," Mining Minister Laurence Golborne said. "This rescue won't be over until the last person below leaves this mine."

The milestone thrilled Chileans, who have come to see the rescue drama as a test of the nation's character and pride.

"What began as a potential tragedy is becoming a verified blessing," President Sebastian Pinera said in a triumphant speech at the La Moneda palace in Santiago. "When we Chileans set aside our legitimate differences and unify in a grand and noble cause, we are capable of great things."

So what is next? Apparently the shaft is large enough for the Phoenix escape capsule, but the next decision is to determine the risks of immediate escape or if the integrity of the 600 meter hole can be trusted enough to proceed without steel reinforcement. Over 150 tons of steel tubing await the decision.

"From the first moment, we said the top priority was to pull them out alive, in a way that's safe and intelligent," Pinera said. "And, of course, as quickly as possible. I hope the rescue will happen this coming week. Whether it's Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday isn't important. The important thing is to rescue them alive and safe."

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