Miners' rescue delayed - once again

The Chilean mine rescue continues to be put back.

Originally scheduled for midday (NZT) today, the latest word from the San Jose mine is that the extraction of the 33 trapped miners will happen from 4pm (NZT).

That is midnight in Chile.

The miners' exit will be preceded by a descent into the mine by emergency medical personnel, Mining Minister Laurence Golborne said today.

The reason for the delay is safety checks.

Engineers on site said the rescue capsule 'Phoenix 1' required further tweaks before being sent the 630 metres down the shaft.

- NZHERALD STAFF