Health issues during the 2010 Copiapó mining accident
In August 2010, a cave-in at the San José mine in the Atacama Desert, Chile, trapped 33 miners about 700 meters underground, about 5 kilometers from the mine entrance. They survived for 69 days.
The rescue began with Florencio Ávalos reaching the surface on October 12, and by October 13 all 33 miners were pulled to the surface over about 24 hours. A global TV audience watched as the last miner came up, and rescuers held up a sign that read “Mission accomplished Chile.”
Most of the miners were in good condition when they reached the surface, but some had health problems. Two had silicosis (one also had pneumonia), and others had dental infections or eye issues. A few needed dental surgery after arriving. Doctors gave glucose to help with energy and ulcers, provided oxygen, and began feeding them solid food a few days later.
Officials sent down capsules—nicknamed palomas (doves)—to bring supplies, including food, medicine, and later video equipment to talk with families. Boreholes were used to supply oxygen-enriched air and to support communications. The miners also worked on maintaining hygiene, kept water sources, and wore quick-drying clothing to stay comfortable.
NASA staff joined the effort to assist with safety and planning. The miners organized themselves into teams and chose leaders to keep order and morale. Luis Urzúa led the group, Mario Gómez offered spiritual guidance, and Yonni Barrios, who had medical training, led daily health checks and vaccinations.
Relatives were allowed to write letters, and the rescuers tried to keep them hopeful. Although the rescue could have taken months, the operation successfully brought all the miners safely to the surface, and they began the long process of recovery.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 15:23 (CET).