The 38m deep bore hole will need to be lined so Mursalim can be safely brought up. That lining is expected to take several days.

Work has also started on a second extraction option, the cutting of a lateral development drive from the main decline to Mursalim's position.

Geotechnical monitoring is continuing to track ground conditions and assess the risks of every aspect of the rescue effort.

According to Newcrest, Mursalim remains in good spirits and has been talking to his family via a newly installed phone line.