Chile Starts its Third Attempt to Rescue 33 Chilean Miners

On August 5, a mine in Copiapo, Chile collapsed, trapping thirty-three unlucky people.  From the day the collapse occurred, Chilean officials knew it would take several months before these doomed miners would see the sun yet again.  The miners have been enclosed into an area about the size of a large classroom, and their only way of interaction with the world above is through a hole about the size of an apple.  Threw this minor hole, rescuers can supply the miners with food, water, and entertainment; things such as iPods and cards.  Two attempts of rescue have already been put to action, but a successful outcome isn't guaranteed.

Two drills have already begun penetrating into the ground below.  Drill A has reached a fraction of its targeted distance, 360 meters when the miners are trapped almost 800 meters down.  Drill B isn't quite that far, at a short distance of 85 meters below the ground.  The plan of having a Drill C, is that its using a drill thats original purpose was to drill for oil.  Though this drill has the capability of drilling about 1000 meters per day, it must be slowed down to a staggering speed of 30 meters per day.  The reason for this speed alteration is the drills normal job of drilling oil has a window of opportunity of about 60 meters, but in order to reach the miners at the specific location, it only has a 4 meter margin for error.  Drill C began drilling early this Wednesday and all the three drills are expected to reach the thirty-three miners at about the same time, in approximately forty days.