The rescue of 33 trapped miners in northern Chile appeared imminent Wednesday after rescue teams approached within 120 metres of the area they have sought shelter in since August, dpa reported. The miners have been trapped 700 metres underground since the shaft they were working on collapsed on August 5. They were completely isolated for 17 days before being located, dpa reported. Chief engineer Andre Sougarret said on Twitter that the Schramm T- 130 drill, the so-called Plan B, has passed the 500-metre mark. This drill aims to reach a workshop that is 630 metres underground, which the miners can access from their current shelter area. Chilean authorities have said they could be rescued by mid- October. Local media reported the miners could be brought to the surface as early as this weekend. The rescue operation is to be broadcast live from the San Jose copper mine under the Atacama desert.
