Chilean Copper Mine Collapse

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Chilean Copper Mine Collapse

Deanna Cain

University of Phoenix, Axia

March 17, 2012

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October 13, 2010 thirty three miners returned to their families and friends after being trapped underground at about two thousand and three hundred feet for over two months. This most amazing story began on August 5, 2010 when the San Jose Mine owned by Minera San Esteban Primera in Northern Chili's Chilean collapsed burying thirty three workers in that mine. The San Jose Mine produces gold and copper, and the thirty three men that worked in the mines suffered a collapse of the mine and became trapped. As friends and family gathered to the site watching in fear and horror, the rescuers worked long and diligently in attempt to communicate with the trapped miners; not knowing if they are alive or all dead, and if they were alive; what condition were they in.

After two days had gone by the miners suffered a second collapse, creating a set back by forcing the rescuers to suspend work for a few hours. Once their work could resume, the rescuers began drilling holes in hopes for any sign of the miners; after seventeen days of drilling the rescuers were skeptical as to rather the trapped workers would be alive, do to the lack of food, water, and oxygen. As the rescuers continue to fight time and the family and friends along with fellow employees of the mine hold on to hope, prayers, and fears, there is finally a breakthrough; one of the narrow holes reaches the miners, allowing for the miners to send up a message informing the rescuers that they were all still alive. People across the Nation and countries, sigh of relief in the acknowledgement that the miners were all still alive; remain scared and worried about how long will the miners last, and will the rescuers be able to get them out in time.

Through the hole, the rescuers sent down a camera to capture images of the miners proving that all miners were unharmed and in good health. The excitement of the news that the miners

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were in good health spread all across the Nation sparking renewed energy in the rescuers birthing new life in the attempt to reach the mines and bring them home to safety.

The ability to communicate with the above ground people while still trapped, Bernetti (2010) "the miners later used a modified telephone to sing Chile's national anthem to the hundreds of teary eyed relatives celebrating above" (Chile Mining Accident (2010), Spirits rising and reassuring the