Trapped Miners: Escape Shaft 100 Meters To Go
Thirty-three men have been trapped 700 meters below ground since the San Jose mine collapse on Aug. 5, 2010. CBS News' Fernando Suarez reports from the site in Chile.
SAN JOSE MINE, Chile -
Officials at the site of the mine collapse in Chile today said they have not yet broken through to the miners.
They estimate that ground break could happen Friday or Saturday - depending on whether or not they need to change the drill bit.
After they break through to the trapped miners, they will study the bore hole more closely to determine whether they need to case the hole.
At this point, casing the hold could add another 8-10 days to the rescue. If they determine not to case, the trapped miners could be out in 2-4 days.
Complete Coverage: Chile Mine Collapse
While "Plan A" and "Plan C" drills have been slowed by efforts to keep them on target, "Plan B" (the quickest option) resumed today and is currently at 535 meters - with 630 meters needed to break through.
Follow Fernando Suarez on TwitterOfficials today planned a helicopter dry-run to fly the miners from the site to a hospital in the nearest city, Copiapo.
More on the Chile Mine Collapse:
Chile Mine Collapse: Officials Decide Whether to Case Interior of Rescue Hole