Miners in Chile may see the light on Wednesday

By Michael Warren | China Daily | Updated: 2010-10-11 08:01

Jeff Heart, operator of a T-130 drilling machine (rear), talks to the media after completing the escape hole for the 33 miners that are trapped deep underground in a Chilean copper and gold mine near Copaipo city on Saturday. Ivan Alvarado / Reuters

SAN JOSE MINE, Chile - After more than two months trapped deep below ground here, 33 miners are enjoying Sunday tantalizingly close to rescue. Drillers have completed an escape shaft, and Chile's mining minister says a video inspection shows the hole's walls are firm enough to allow the men to be hoisted out as early as Wednesday.