An unexpected connection to the miners at Copiapó, Chile.

When the Copiapó mine collapsed in 2010, trapping 33 miners over 1000 feet below ground, the eyes of the world were momentarily captivated by the human drama unfolding in Chile. Unlike many other mining incidents, these miners were connected to their families and to the world thanks to a single projector. This projector delivered family images, health and safety messages and even the Chile vs. Ukraine soccer match – to help lift their spirits.

“This projector was created to help save power and space,” explains 3M scientist Dr. Andrew Ouderkirk who helped invent the projector. “We never imagined it would be used to bring hope to these miners.”

For 3M, it was a special honor for our technology to aid in an unexpected yet powerful way. The human will and ingenuity exhibited in Copiapó was inspiring – delivering a brighter hope to the miners and their families.