Mining Minister says trapped Chilean workers could be reached within 24 hours

Mining Minister says trapped Chilean workers could be reached within 24 hours

2010-10-09 02:41:46 GMT+7 (ICT)

SANTIAGO, CHILE (BNO NEWS) – Chilean Mining Minister Laurence Golborne on Friday said that the 'Plan B' driller could reach the trapped miners as soon as Friday evening or early Saturday as the machine is meters away from the workers, local media reported.

According to La Nacion newspaper, the 'Plan B' driller is the most advanced of the three drillers working in the rescue of the Chilean workers. On Friday morning, the driller stopped at the 684 meters mark, which means it is only 40 meters away from the chamber where the workers have been since August 5.

The drilling efforts are currently stopped as crews are working on the hammer replacement of the machines and will resume the rescue efforts by Friday evening. On Friday, relatives of the trapped individuals began keeping guard on the eve of the apparent rescue.

However, Health Minister Jaime Manalich said on Friday that the operation to actually free the miners from the mine itself will likely not start until Monday. He added that the process has been accelerated due to advances in the rescue efforts.

Rescue teams have prepared three rescue cages, a hospital, tents and a special area where press conferences will take place and media will be able to witness the rescue.

Previously, Chilean authorities said that the 33 workers trapped in the San Jose mine would be rescued by November as they are about 700 meters below ground.

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