The International Resource Journal: Rescuers begin escape route for trapped Chilean miners

Rescuers begin escape route for trapped Chilean miners
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Resource News on 31 August, 2010 07:52:00
 
IRJ Aug 31 - Rescuers have begun digging an escape route for miners trapped in
the Chilean mine disaster, which occurred on 5 August.
The copper gold mine cave-in occurred nearly a month ago in Copiapo,  Chile and
rescuers started to drill on Monday in hopes of rescuing the 33 trapped victims.
The tunnel, which is 700 meters underground, could take between two to four
months to create. The government has turned to NASA for aid.
Rescuers are planning to drill a 66 cm in diameter shaft which would be used to
pull up miners one at a time from a pulley. Engineers are working to help speed
up rescue times, including drilling a second shaft.
Doctors however, say the miners are healthy. They have been sending flu
vaccinations and nicotine gum for smokers down a shaft, which is their only
entry way.