The guy who drilled the hole to reach the miners was American

[quinnox]

Its great that we had a hand in this amazing rescue. American know how can still do wonderful things, yes sir!

[Taverner]

1. And I would guess through a government program

Our government works, you know

[hlthe2b]

2. more to the point... he was a DENVERITE!

:toast:

(he was working as an independent contractor in Afghanistan when they called him up to go). He is apparently the best in the world at this type of drilling.

[Lisa0825]

3. Does anyone know any details about the process?

I saw a graphic that showed it all zig-zagging and have heard numerous times that there will be lots of turns and rotations. I'd like to read about why but have not found a good explanation. I am guessing it has to do with detecting rock they either could not or should not drill through and going around it?

[malaise]

4. We had a thread on that the day they reached

the miners. Brandon Fisher so freaking cool. He's was just on BBC - says it was a team effort and it involved several Chilean companies.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11489439

[petersjo02]

5. Yes, I think he still is American, as a matter of fact.

Just in fun.

[applegrove]

6. And the americans are so classy they left the mine site and headed to a city in Chili so their story

would not take away from that of the miners tonight.

[GeorgeGist]

7. All by himself, eh?

::silly:

[CBR]

8. Important work. Thanks for this information. nt