As the Chilean Miners are rescued one by one staff at a Co. Clare company have been celebrating the success of the mission and the part they have played in the rescue effort.
The drilling device which first located the 33 trapped workers at the San Jose Mine was designed by Mincon which is a leading manufacturer of rock-drilling equipment based at the Smithstown Industrial Estate in Shannon.
Engineering Manager with the company Joe Purcell told Clare FM’s Morning Focus they are pleased to have been instrumental in this remarkable story.
"We produced the reverse circulation drill that actually drilled the breakthrough hole" he said.
"And as it was pulled back on to the surface, the notes were there to tell everyone that there was 33 people alive and well".
"Now we can relax a bit – but I think until today everyone’s been..holding their breath, and it’s great" he added.