Copiapo, Chile (CNN) -- The process of extracting 33 miners from a Chilean mine, where they have been trapped for more than two months, is going better than expected, the nation's health minister told reporters Wednesday.
"Things are going extraordinarily well so far," said Health Minister Jaime Manalich.
However, the miners' rescue is only the first step in a longer recovery process, workers with NASA have said. Health concerns linger regarding their lack of sunlight, nutrition, effects of their confinement, lack of sleep and sanitation.
Mental health is also a concern. They must be reintroduced to their families and society and deal with their sudden celebrity status.
Dr. Michael Duncan, deputy chief medical officer at Johnson Space Center, said, "The work is just beginning when the miners get out of the mine".
CNN
