Francoise

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October 15, 2010 at 07:20 | Updated at 07:20

Towards a reform of Mines

Picture : Pablo Rojas, as his 31 comrades in misfortune, did not fail to show his joy at finally being freed from his underground prison. The mishap will nevertheless inspired the president of Chile, which is committed to better mark the mine safety in the country.

Claire Martin, Freelance Press


The accident at the mine San Jose and the incredible rescue of 33 miners created a precedent. Chile can now sit back and deal with questionable safety conditions in mines small and medium size. Chairman Sebastian Pinera promised corrective action.
"The conditions were really bad, I do not think anyone can work like that," said Manuel Gonzalez, the first rescuer to be lowered into the basket to go up one by one, the 33 minors. He added: "I know that in the North, many mines operate in this way, but it's inhumane."

Mine gold and copper from San Jose was known in the region to be dangerous. "My father often told us that there would be an accident," said Maritza Segovia, daughter of Victor Segovia, says the writer of mine because he kept a diary during the 69 days of this camera . "If he still worked there, because it paid better elsewhere." Javier Castillo, the union of the mine, led the fight to ensure that conditions are improved. "We have submitted several reports to the inspection of mines, SERNAGEOMIN, he said, but nothing has ever happened."

"The problem in Chile, says Communist MP in the region, Lautaro Carmona is that business leaders prefer to pay fines instead of putting in place adequate security measures, which would cost them much more expensive. "Moreover, the lack of SERNAGEOMIN. "There are 2 mines inspectors for 3000," said Senator Socialist Isabel Allende.


The mining company San Esteban, owner of the San Jose mine, had one thing in mind: to extract. At the cost of security. "The mine was filled with water, and water is a poison for mine because it facilitates the erosion and landslides, said Daniel Espinoza, a miner for 15 years, came to San Jose a few months just before the accident on August 5.

The mine was notably devoid of emergency exit and ventilation shaft equipped with ladders, all of which could allow juveniles to escape.

"Never again will we allow that work in conditions as uncertain and inhumane to the mine in San Jose and many other places, said yesterday the chairman Sebastian Piñera during a press conference. We will generate in the culture and heart of our country the respect for life, safety, dignity and health. "

In December last, while campaigning, the president had promised to make Chile a developed country. "We will revise the law," he added. We'll change a lot of methods and criteria. We will adopt all the standards of developed countries. "

If anyone doubts that the chairman millionaire who made his fortune in the stock market will go back to the business world, Sebastian Piñera must maintain the positive image he earned with the rescue. However, the national press, as the international press, will follow the issue closely.