Camp Hope miners' museum? San Jose could be turned into a tourist destination

By SARAH GORDON

Celebration: The last miner to be rescued, Luis Urzua punches the air with joy


It was the miracle that captured the imagination of a billion-strong global audience; the 33 miners pulled to safety after 69 days trapped in a rock prison 622m below ground.

Now, as the men prepare to become worldwide celebrities, suggestions have already been made that the San Jose mine could take a starring role itself, being turned into a museum.

The dangerous mine and surrounding Camp Hope, where families gathered to wait for news of their loved ones, could well be preserved in memory of the incredible feat that saw all the trapped men rescued safely.

Carlos Alvarez, the nephew of one trapped miner Daniel Herrera is said to be keen to preserve the tent city which has swarmed with family members, the world's press and rescuers since the mine collapsed in August.

The area, which featured a local school for children and even a hair salon to help the wives and girlfriends look good to welcome their men, offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives many family members lived while waiting for news of their loved ones.

Chile's president Sebastian Piñera, who took centre stage to greet the miners on their return to ground level, has said he is open to the idea.

Keen to cash in on the event, the mayor of nearby Copiapó city Maglio Cicardini has said he would like to create an underground museum and a monument to celebrate the courage of the miners.


Inspired: Residents in Copiapo cheer while watching the rescue on a big screen



Global fame: The celebrations at Camp Hope were watched by 1billion people around the world


The area is bound to become a point of interest for travellers, after the entire rescue was broadcast live around the world, following two months of near-constant media coverage.

People across the world warmed to the story of hope which defied all odds and presidents and prime ministers - including David Cameron and Barack Obama - solidified the miners' fame by making public comments congratulating Piñera on a job well done.

One entrepreneur has already done well out of the disaster, setting up a large marquee at Camp Hope in the run-up to the final rescue and charging the media £155 per night to stay there.

The second miner to be brought up in the Phoenix capsule, Mario Sepulveda, brought gifts of rock from deep underground, handing them out to the president and his rescuers as a joke.

In the current media frenzy over 'Los 33' it would hardly be a surprise if another entrepreneur cashed in on the idea and started selling off mine rocks...


source: dailymail