8/26/2010
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – In a show of support, Gov. Joe Manchin today has extended to the Chilean government, by way of the U.S. State Department, an offer of West Virginia’s resources and expertise to help with the rescue effort of 33 Chilean miners who have been trapped for almost three weeks in the San Jose copper and gold mine in Copiapo, Chile.
On Wednesday, the governor’s chief of staff, Jim Spears, spoke with the U.S. State Department coordinator for the Chilean recovery effort, Ambassador Craig Kelly (former U.S. ambassador to Chile) to offer any necessary resources that the state of West Virginia may be able to provide. Ambassador Kelly indicated that the greatest need is to attend to the mental and physical well-being of the miners while trapped underground for an extended period. Kelly added that the U.S. Department of State is working closely with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for possible solutions and also would welcome any suggestions that West Virginia officials could provide.
The governor has directed the cabinet secretary for West Virginia’s Department of Health and Human Resources to coordinate with the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health Safety and Training to determine if there are ways that the state can assist.
“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the trapped miners and their families,” the governor said. “Mining families are strong and we want to make sure that the Chilean miners’ families understand that West Virginia is hopeful for a swift recovery of these brave miners. West Virginians know how difficult and agonizing it is to wait, which is why we want to make sure that the good people of Chile know that West Virginia is praying for the miners’ safe recovery.”
Spears said the State Department will maintain contact with the Governor’s Office.
“Mining communities share a unique bond. When one person is hurting or going through a tough time, we all hurt. The state of West Virginia has gone through difficult times with mining disasters and the world has rallied around us in the past. It is only fitting that we do the same for our friends in Chile,” said the governor.
Contact Information
Melvin Smith
304-558-2000