Interior minister says the operation is not `` linked to any political decision '' It is currently drilling a 17.5-inch diameter hole -- smaller than the 28 inches required to rescue the miners -- in an effort to realign after veering off course over the weekend . President Sebastian Pinera said October 15 he believed the rescue would be before October 17 . He is scheduled to travel to Atacama on this week .
Interior minister says the operation is not `` linked to any political decision '' President Sebastian Pinera said October 15 he believed the rescue would be before October 17 . He is scheduled to travel to Atacama on this week .