Peru miners rescued after nearly a week underground

Nine workers trapped inside an illegal gold and copper mine in southern Peru have been rescued.

They were brought to the surface early on Wednesday local time after spending almost a week underground.

The country’s president, Ollanta Humala, said all the miners were healthy but “obviously dehydrated and dizzy”.

One miner said he was overwhelmed after walking out alive: “I’ve spilled tears, happy tears.”

The men became stuck 200 metres underground when the makeshift mine partially collapsed last Thursday. They were able to receive oxygen and liquids via a giant hose.

The episode has focused attention on Peru’s vast informal mining industry.

President Humala has warned people to stay away from abandoned mines and urged companies to register workers and improve safety measures.

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