the president said the first miner to be rescued will be 31-year-old florenceio avalos. now let's take a look at what hands since the chilean mine collapsed in august. 17 days after the accident occurred the miners were discovered alive. >> reporter: on august 22nd the miners sent a note to the surface tied to a drill used by rescuers. it said everyone was alive and well. the whole nation rejoiced at the news because the worst had been feared. the emergency shelter where the miners safely evacuated to is located 700 meters underground. although it has a ventilation hole the temperature is around 35 degrees celsius, and humidity is extremely high. it was initially believed that the rescue effort would take about four months to complete. the chilean government initially drilled a narrow shaft to deliver oxygen, water and food to the miners. a video phone was also installed so that the trapped workers could talk with their families on the surface. three rescue shafts were being drilled simultaneously using large oil well equipment. the rescue team has also developed a speci