Asia-Pacific

Rescue drill reaches trapped Chilean miners amid celebrations

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-09-19 08:53

A volunteer shows the media food that will be sent to the miners trapped underground inside a copper and gold mine near Copiapo September 18, 2010. [Photo/Agencies]

According to technical studies, each rescue will take no more than 15 minutes. Once above surface, the miners will be taken to a nearby field hospital or, in extreme cases, airlifted to a hospital in Copiapo.

The government has refused to estimate the cost of the rescue effort but the drilling alone will cost nearly US$5 million, meaning the overall bill could reach US$10 million or more before the miners see sunlight.

Saturday -- the anniversary when Chile declared independence from Spain on September 17, 1810, launching a war they finally won in 1818 --will be the 46th day of the miners' confinement.

Michael Fortt, the chief engineer of the rescuers, said the miners were in good health and that they talk daily with their families.

However, a letter from a miner identified as Daniel Herrera on Thursday warned of a possible rift between some miners and a psychologist responsible for the health of the miners.

The psychologist tried hard to establish telephone conversations with all of the miners but was rejected by several, Herrera said.