Copiapo Rescue

The AFM news agency reported the miners, trapped 700m below ground since 5 August, had reacted calmly. Officials had delayed breaking the news to the miners since they were located four days ago because of concern for their mental well being. However a period of depression, anguish and severe malaise was possible.

A special recreation and exercise program will be developed to keep the men fit and healthy and Nasa has been called upon for its expertise keeping astronauts alive and well on long missions in confined spaces.

“We were able to tell them they would not be rescued before the Fiestas Patrias [Chile's Independence Day on 18 September], and that we hoped to get them out before Christmas,” AFP quoted Mr Manalich as saying.

A 26″ wide rescue shaft is being drilled to rescue them and it could take up to four months to complete.

The miners were trapped when the main tunnel collapsed in the San Jose gold and copper mine on August 5th. They were found in a 50m2 chamber of one of the main passages but are not confined to just this area. Dr Jaime Manalich said “The space they’re in actually has about 1.24 miles (2kilometers) of galleries to walk around in.”

The miners, who spent 17 days surviving on emergency supplies designed for a couple of days, have been receiving glucose and rehydration tablets lowered down the narrow shaft drilled to locate them. Other supplies will be passed down in small quantities to fit in a container that can be lowered down the shaft.