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Gold & Copper Mine Collapse
On August 5, 2010, a gold and copper mine in Chile collapsed leaving 33 miners trapped below the surface of the Earth -
A Second Collapse
A second collapse in the mine served as a setback for rescue efforts by blocking access to the lower parts of the mine. -
Miraculous Discovery
After being trapped for 17 days, hope for loved ones coming back alive was pretty much lost. Then, on August 22, a note was found tied to a drill probe reading "Estamos bien en el refugio los 33" ("All 33 of us are well inside the shelter.")With this, they began sending rations and supplies to the miners in hopes of keeping them alive. -
Help for the Miners
Food, water, and communication equipment reaches the miners. -
Plan A
Drilling for plan A to rescue the miners began on August 30. The pilot hole for the first shaft was aiming for the shelter. -
Video of the Miners
Video footage of the miners goes public. -
Esperanza
Ariel Yanez, one of the 33 trapped miners, watches the birth of his daughter, Esperanza, via video screen. -
Plan B
Drilling began for a second pilot hole aiming for a machine workshop on September 17. -
A Way Out
The capsule built to lift the men out of the mine is brought to the site. -
Plan B Drill Success
On October 9, the Plan B drill broke through to the miners' workshop. -
Free At Last
Florencio Avalos, 31, becomes the first of 33 miners freed after spending 69 days trapped in the mine.
