Project Title

Chilean Mine Rescue 2010

Location

San Jose Gold and Copper Mine near Copiapo, Chile

Client

Adviser Drilling and Geotech.

Business Sectors

Mineral Resources

Services (Technical Disciplines)

Provision of Mincon MX5053 reverse circulation hammer and drill bits for drilling to access the trapped miners.

Project Objectives/Outcomes

Provision of Mincon MX5053 reverse circulation hammer and drill bits to drill lifeline holes to the 33 miners trapped 2,300 feet (701 meters) below ground.

The lifeline hole established a communication link and a conduit to pass food, water and medicines to the trapped miners.

Two more lifeline holes were subsequently drilled with the Mincon MX5053 hammer, one by Adviser Drilling and the other by Geotech. One of these three lifeline holes was then used for the now famous plan B rescue that freed the 33 trapped miners on October 15th, 2010.

Our Role

Provision of Mincon MX5053 reverse circulation hammer and drill bits to drill a hole 5-3/8″ (136mm) in diameter.

Geoscience Ireland Contact

Gerry O’Connor – gerryoconnor@mincon.com