Mario Sepúlveda, the second miner to emerge from Chile’s San José mine, handed out rocks glinting with gold to rescue workers. But for the 33 freed miners who had been trapped underground for 10 weeks, the real gold is to come – from product endorsements, media interviews, books, and perhaps film rights to their saga.
The heroes of the story have already been asked to endorse chocolate bars, beer and a sex-aid vitamin pill. Real Madrid and Manchester United, two of the world’s strongest soccer clubs, have invited the miners to watch their matches in Europe. One miner, who sang Elvis songs to keep up the miners’ spirits, has been invited to Graceland.
The miners, earning just over $900 a month at San José, have agreed among themselves to share the proceeds from any contracts, according to local media. Their families have been offered huge sums – although some said they were waiting to talk to the men to decide. “What haven’t I been offered?” exclaimed Cristina Nu?ez, girlfriend of Claudio Yanez, the eighth miner to come out.