Hurrah to the Chilean Miners

We have just witnessed the seamless execution of the rescue at a remote Chilean gold mine. The plan that saved the trapped miners was a resounding success. In this unfortunate case, the advanced technology had played a pivotal role in the safe return of 33 miners. Without the timely and learned input from NASA and mining industry engineers in drilling and designing, the miners might still be in their dingy underground refuge waiting to be rescued. But common sense, decisive leadership and cooperation had also prevailed and attributed to a favorable outcome of a life- and- death situation. And lastly I bet God pitched in too.

I just learned the reason why the search for live miners was not called off days after the mine had collapsed. This badly maintained mine did not emit any sign of lives. But it did not exude the "smell of death" either. Thanks to this smelly indicator, the search and rescue work for live miners continued.

The other reason the rescue was a success was their top politicians’ caring vow to save the trapped miners at any costs. Both the Chilean president and his minister of mines had personally followed up on the logistics side of the various rescue plans to ensure the work-in-progress proceed as envisioned. Incidentally, both of them are accomplished businessmen before entering politics. Evidently, with them they brought much needed business acumen in undoing this disastrous event.

In addition, we should not overlook the leadership of the miners’ foreman either. It must take him some doings to ensure all his fellow workers survive both mentally and physically 2,000 plus feet below the mine site.

Working side by side as a team of various groups also played an indispensable role in this rescue effort. Good helps were from all around the world when the disaster struck. Now we know when we cooperate with each others, everyone wins!

And having some faith in God is not a bad idea when we are in distress. Without their unwavering confidence in God, I do not know how the miners and their families could survive the many days they were waiting to see their loved ones again. - Ayee