UPDATE 5-Chile secures lifeline to trapped miners
Chilean miners who survived 18 days after a cave-in received hydration gel andmedication through a narrow drill hole on Monday, but officialssaid it could be months before the men are freed.
In what relatives called a miracle, the miners on Sundaytied a note to a perforation drill that had bored a shaft thecircumference of a grapefruit to where they are located, 2,300feet (700 meters) vertically underground. The accident in the small gold and copper mine has turned a spotlight on mine safety in Chile, the world's No. 1 copper producer, although accidents are rare at major mines.
The incident is not seen having a significant impact on Chile's output. Mining Minister Laurence Golborne said rescue workers began sending plastic tubes called "doves" containing glucose solutions, hydration gels and medicine down to the miners to keep them alive while they dig a new shaft to extract them.
That could take up to four months.
The miners have not been told how long it will take, but they may only emerge from
right the mine at Christmas.
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