A shaft nearly half a mile long stands to be reinforced since it is the only way out now for 33 miners of the San Jose gold and copper mine in Chile. Rescue efforts and the events that led to the collapse of the mine roof should be noted as a learning opportunity for mining companies in Australia.

The installation of the steel casing in the top 315 feet of the shaft is expected to be completed today. Uniquely designed rescue capsules, measuring 21 inches wide, will be lowered into the mine through the shaft.

Engineers said the miners, who had been underground for more than 65 days, will be brought out one at a time through the rescue capsule known as the Phoenix. The three capsules are equipped with oxygen supply and communications system.

Even once inside the Phoenix, a miner can lower himself back down because the capsule can be separated. Miners will given extreme care when they reach the top of the shaft.

Special sunglasses will be given to protect the miners' eyes from sudden exposure to light, after which they will be thoroughly examined by doctors at a field hospital. Family members will only be given a few minutes of visiting time before a helicopter lifts the rescued miners to a nearby hospital in Copiapo.

Physical examinations will actually begin before the miners are lifted into the shaft. A mining specialist and a navy paramedic were reported to take the physical assessment while the 33 men are still underground. The breakout team will also assess the functioning of the Phoenix while it is being lowered into the mine.