Miners to Split Up as Doctors Release Them

I'm sure you've heard of the Chilean miners that were trapped 2300 feet below the surface of the Earth in the San Jose mine. This article is about the release and effects on the miners. The miners were trapped below the surface for 69 long days. Then, they had to be sent up to the surface through a tube 21 inches in diameter. Now, the miners are just about to be released from the hospital, after physical and psychological tests. It seems to be that besides minor physical ailments, none of the miners were very effected. None of the thirty three miners experienced shock or other mental problems as a result from the mining incident. The article then goes into the costs of the incident and rescue. The rescue cost between $10 and $20 million dollars.  Chilean government and mining agencies are paying closer attention to safety of the mines. Many small mines have been shut down. The article closes with facts about mining related deaths.

All I can say is, thank goodness it was not me who was trapped beneath the Earth's surface. I'm not one to do well in situations like that, and I respect each and every one of those men for being able to handle it like they did. Also, do get up through the Earth in a tube only 21 inches in diameter would not suit me well. I think it's wonderful how many people have supported the miners, offering them jobs, dinners, vacations, etc. I'm the sure the miners weren't expecting all the fame they've gotten when they went to work in the mine that day. It was definitely necessary to reevaluate Chilean mines (and other mines around the world.) People would most likely be less willing to give and simply more frustrated if more miners got trapped in a mine for that long. This should really be a warning sign for mining authorities all over the world to make sure their mines are secure.