Peru rescues trapped miners

President calls on unregistered workers to stay away from abandoned mines after watching rescue of nine men

guardian.co.uk, Reuters in Ica, Wednesday 11 April 2012

Cabeza de Negro miner Javier Tapia is comforted by his wife, Flor Choque,
and son, Josue, after his six-day ordeal. Photograph: Mariana Bazo/Reuters

Nine workers trapped inside a mine in southern Peru have been rescued and brought to the surface after almost a week underground.

The men had been stuck about 200 meters (656ft) below ground since the informal, or "wildcat", copper-and-gold mine partially collapsed last Thursday. They had been receiving oxygen and liquids through a giant hose that was in place before the accident.

"All of them are healthy but obviously dehydrated and dizzy," Peru's president, Ollanta Humala, said. "They need to get used to the sun still, that's why they are wearing sunglasses."

One of the miners, Jesus Japatint, said he was overwhelmed after walking out alive. "I spilled tears, happy tears," he said.

Humala, who watched the rescue operation, warned wildcat miners to stay away from abandoned mines like Cabeza de Negro, saying they were dangerous. He also urged companies to register their workers and improve safety measures.

The cave-in spurred calls to formalise Peru's vast informal mining sector, which generates an estimated $2bn (£1.25bn) a year.