Miner’s escape route almost complete

Sections of metal pipe are being welded together and lowered into the mouth of the borehole, to reinforce the walls nearest the surface.

The earth there is more likely to crumble - the closer to the underground chamber, the stronger the rock.

Concrete is being used to fix the metal sheets in place. Only when that dries will test runs with the capsule begin.

Families at Camp Hope were invited by the rescue team to examine the Phoenix capsule.  

Each miner is being individually assessed for health problems or anxiety.

They will be fed nutrition drinks in the hours before the ascent, put into a body suit, given aspirin and checked for nerves before the capsule door is shut.

The Phoenix will corkscrew up the shaft, spinning up to 10 times during the journey.

Mining minister Laurence Golborne it will now take between 10 and 15 minutes, but to prepare each miner and send the capsule back into the darkness will take an extra 45 minutes.

When the men emerge into daylight, a team of doctors will examine them before they meet one or two members of their family.

Those needing special treatment will be flown by helicopter to a military base in nearby Copiapo.

Then they will be driven a short 200 metres to the local hospital where a ward has been set aside for the miners.

They will be observed for at least 48 hours before being released to their families - psychological evaluation may continue for many months.

The rescue mission is on track to start on Wednesday. It could take up to two days to get all of the men to freedom.