Chilean President Sebastián Piñera and Mining Minister Laurence Golborne showed how to turn a crisis into an opportunity. Mr. Golborne spent nights around the bonfires at the families' camp outside the mine gates, explaining the rescue plans. Mr. Piñera visited three times, and invited technical aid from anyone who had anything to offer. Health Minister Jaime Mañalich, who is a surgeon, personally oversaw the miners' health care and feeding program. The state copper company, Codelco, engineered the rescue and supplied some of the heavy equipment. Local authorities supported the families' encampment, providing local employees to cook, clean, and offer counseling.
AP Photo/Alex Ibanez, Chilean presidential press office
