Monday, Apr. 04, 2011

The Chilean Miners

Ages: 19 to 63
Occupation: Miners
Previous TIME 100 appearances: 0

The world was captivated by the plight of the 33 men who were trapped in a mine nearly half a mile underground for 69 days and then successfully rescued in a globally televised scene that energized all of Chile. Feared to have perished until a probe located them 17 days after the accident, "Los 33" managed to survive with minimal friction in unimaginable conditions: dark, cramped quarters; searing heat; oppressive humidity; limited food. Some have actually returned to mining. Chilean President Sebastián Piñera vowed to use the incident to bolster mine safety.