SANTIAGO, Chile, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- Drilling begins Monday on a shaft to rescue 33 miners trapped 2,300 feet underground, officials in Chile said.
The operation could take three to four months, officials told CNN.
A NASA team is coming this week to help the miners cope with their long isolation. The U.S. agency, using its experience with extended periods in space, is sending a medical official, a nutritional medic, a psychologist and a logistics expert, said Chilean Health Minister Jaime Manalich.
A group of engineers said they have a "Plan B" that could reduce by half the time to reach the miners.
Chilean mining company GeoTech is bringing a special drill typically used for boring water holes to the San Jose mine, said Walter Herrera, risk manager. UPI
