The order of evacuation has already been determined for the miners, who range in age from 19 to 63.
First up will be four of the healthiest and most mentally fit miners to test the shaft and report any problems. Among the first brought up is expected to be Carlos Mamani, a 23-year-old Bolivian who will likely be greeted at the surface by Bolivian President Evo Morales.
Then the 10 men reported to be the most sick will be hauled up.
The last miner up will be Luiz Urzua, who was the shift foreman when the collapse originally occurred and has acted as a team leader throughout their imprisonment, reports New York Post.
The government has chosen shift leader Luis Urzua, 54, to be last. He has been the chief go-between, speaking for his fellow miners to the would-be rescuers above. [Health Minister Jaime] Manalich compared Urzua to the captain of a sinking boat, duty bound to stick it out to the end, "always the last to leave."
The men reportedly argued over who would be the last out. The New York Post speculates that the last one rescued could receive a more lucrative movie and book deal.
