The 2010 Copiapó Mining Accident: How 33 Chilean Miners Were Trapped

The Event

August 5, 2010, 2:00 PM: A massive rock collapse (diurnal "mountain burst") sealed the main ramp of the San José copper-gold mine near Copiapó, Atacama Region, Chile — 700 m (2,300 ft) underground, ~5 km from portal.

The Miners

• 33 men (32 Chilean, 1 Bolivian), ages 19–63.
• Shift supervisor Luis Urzúa organized survival in the Refuge Chamber (30 m², designed for 25, 48 hr air).
• Extended supplies: tuna, milk, biscuits, water — rationed to 2 spoons tuna/48 hrs.

Rescue Timeline

• Aug 22 (Day 17): Probe reaches refuge via 15 cm pilot hole. Note: "Estamos bien en el refugio los 33" — "We are well in the shelter, the 33."
• Aug 23–Oct 12: Three drilling plans (A, B, C) — Plan B (Schramm T130D) succeeded.
• Oct 13 (Day 69): Fénix 2 capsule (NASA/Chilean Navy design) extracts all 33 in 22.5 hours. 1 billion viewers worldwide.

Aftermath

• Physical: Remarkably good — fungal infections, dental, eye issues.
• Psychological: PTSD, fame pressure, fractured relationships.
• Legal: Mine owners (San Esteban) fined; safety reforms (Sernageomin strengthened).
• Cultural: Films (The 33, 2015), books, leadership case studies.