Deep Copper and Gold Mine Accident, 33 Miners Survive after 17 Days trapped in

Mining News and Journal ^ | Aug. 23, 2010

[Western Phil]

Deep copper and Gold mine Accident, 33 Miners Survive after 17 days Trapped in August 23, 2010 · Posted in News Sponsored Links

Copiapo, Chile – When 33 men found alive after 17 days trapped in a deep copper and gold mine, the biggest challenge now, the preservation of their mental health in the months can take to cut a tunnel large enough for them to get out . Chileans were euphoric Sunday after a small drill bit broke through 2257 feet (688 meters) of solid rock in an emergency refuge where the miners had gathered to reach. The men are soon connected two notes at the end of a probe that rescuers pulled to the surface, announcing in large red letters: “All 33 of us are fine in the asylum.”

“Today all of Chile is crying with excitement and joy,” said Sebastian Pinera President in the mine.

And where many began to give up hope, the scene above ground was a celebration Sunday with a barbecue for the miners’ families, itinerant musicians, candles and Chilean flags make the barren landscape looks festive.

But rescuers said it could take as long as four months – until around Christmas – to cut half shaft about 27 inches (68 centimeters) in diameter, large enough for the miners to be increased by one.

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[Western Phil]

This is a few days old, but is interesting. I was looking for details of the actual mine itself - drawings, maps, etc.

The article must be a Babelfish translation. One of the more interesting sections is: "Gomez said that the miners used for light vehicles and an excavator to dig a channel for water to get underground.

It was unclear whether the air threatened to walk."

[sinsofsolarempirefan]

Damn, that must be like hell on earth. Trapped thousands of feet underground in a dark, stinking pit with other unfortunates without any way of getting out. Actually, that does sound pretty much like hell, except they have hope of getting out in a few months time...
Myself, I'd rather jump out of a plane wearing a parachute that had been packed by a chimp. I'm not one for heights, but at least it would be over sooner rather than later...

[E. Pluribus Unum]

I'm guessing that the area of the mine where the were working was unaffected, and that the collapse occurred far above them, otherwise there would have been at least a few fatalities.

[proud American in Canada]

in the months can take to cut a tunnel large enough

OMG. That is horrible. If they make it, it will be a wonderful Christmas for them.