An interminable wait has begun for the families of 33 miners trapped for the past four weeks in the San Jose mine of northern Chile.

Official estimates are that it will take three to four months to extract the men from 700 metres below the earth's surface.

They have been told salvation is more than two months away, but not given a precise date.

Meanwhile their loved ones wait above ground, holding vigils at the mouth of the mine and praying for the rescue.

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