Chile achieved global recognition for the successful rescue of 33 trapped miners in 2010 . On 5 August 2010 the access tunnel collapsed at the San José copper and gold mine in the Atacama Desert near Copiapó in northern Chile , trapping 33 men below ground . A rescue effort organized by the Chilean government located the miners 17 days later . All 33 men were brought to the surface two months later on 13 October 2010 over a period of almost 24 hours , an effort that was carried on live television around the world
rescue of 33 trapped miners
2010 Copiapó mining accident
History of Chile