Editorial: Miners' story gripped the world because it inspired

A story that captured the imagination of people around the globe concluded this week when 33 miners trapped 700 metres beneath Chile's Atacama Desert for two months were bought to the surface one by one.

In an increasingly complex world, this was a tale that reminded the world of the enduring human values of friendship, resilience, resolve and ingenuity.

When embraced by the rescued and rescuers alike, they epitomised a survival against the odds like few others.

Few people know what it's like to work in a mine. But in their everyday life, they may, even if fleetingly on an aircraft or an underground train, sense the fear associated with entrapment.

They could imagine the range of emotions running through "Los 33" after the San Jose mine caved in, especially during the 17 days when their fate was unknown. And they could marvel at the men's endurance and stoicism as the rescue operation was painstakingly prepared.

Most of the miners are said to be in remarkably good health. This must puzzle those who made much of the potential for psychological trauma and suchlike.

But miners are a special breed. They work in the most inhospitable of conditions, and in Chile are part of an industry notorious for its lack of safety standards. A strong sense of mateship and an adherence to simple values are their daily bread.

The interest in this week's rescue confirmed that stories imbued with the spirit of such men have lost none of their ability to inspire.