Bolivia: Miner Trapped Underground for 26 Hours Finally Freed

A Bolivian miner trapped for more than 26 hours without food or water in the San Jose mine under the city of Oruro has been rescued.

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The coordinator of the Bolivian Air Force of the region, Ives Reynaga, described Friday's rescue as a "miracle."

Freddy Toco had been trapped underground since a landslide blocked the mine's exits. On Wednesday morning, Toco's family alerted the authorities and rounded up 10 volunteers to rescue him, Reynaga said.

After several hours, the miner was finally freed and immediately taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Mining is an important industry in Bolivia: profits from state-run natural gas, silver and tin exports have allowed President Evo Morales and his ruling Movement for Socialism (MAS) party to transform the country.

After taking office in 2006, Morales spearheaded nationalization efforts that transferred wealth from foreign mining companies, such as South American Silver and Jindal Steel, to the people of Bolivia.

In 2016, the state completed 316 projects for drinking water, irrigation systems, infrastructure, health, transportation, river defense, and sewage and sanitation systems.

Morales' administration has also doubled government spending on environmental and social programs.