Chilean rescuers drill probes to reach 33 trapped miners

Chile crews drill probes will reach trapped miners

SANTIAGO, Chile — Chile’s mining minister says rescuers hope that probes they are drilling will reach 33 trapped miners by Monday.

Minister Laurence Golborne says the most advanced probe is 1,715 feet (523 meters) deep as of Saturday. It’s aimed at an emergency refuge 2,297 feet (700 meters) below the surface.

The workers have been trapped by an Aug. 5 collapse at the San Jose gold and silver mine in northern Chile. Rescuers have had no contact with them.

If the miners are found alive, rescuers will lower water, oxygen and a system of communication through the newly drilled holes.