Miners celebrate - while others protest

Chilean miners rescued after more than two months underground have returned to the mine that almost became their tomb to celebrate their freedom.

The religious ceremony was held at the mouth of the San Jose copper and gold mine yesterday where the 33 men were trapped for 69 days.

The six miners who attended the service at the area known as Camp Hope said it was organised to acknowledge their solidarity and determination to survive.

Luis Urzua, the 54-year-old foreman of the miners and the last to be hoisted to safety, said: "It's a very beautiful experience to be here and see where our families were."

Juan Carlos Aguilar, 46, walked around the minehead with his daughter, but declined to speak to reporters.

Also in attendance at the ceremony in the Atacama desert were Carlos Mamani, Juan Illanes, Jimmy Sanchez and Dario Segovia.

Participants in the private service, held inside a tent, could be heard clapping loudly and singing hymns and Chile's national anthem.

As the same time, a group of about 25 miners who also worked at the mine staged a protest. Carrying signs that read "Somos 300, No 33" (We are 300 not 33) they argued that with the mine closed, they will not receive compensation for lost earnings.

Chile's President Sebastian Pinera, currently in Britain to meet Prime Minister David Cameron and the Queen, has suggested turning Camp Hope into a memorial or museum to honour the men.

Meanwhile, further details emerged yesterday of the miners' plight. Edison Pena, 34, who jogged down pitch-black tunnels during his time underground, said he had been "fighting to live".

Mario Sepulveda, the second miner rescued who became famous for his exuberant celebrations on being freed, described the experience as being "swallowed into the bowels of hell," only to be "reborn".

"I am finding it hard to sleep," said the 40-year-old father-of-two. "I am so happy and yet when I think of what happened my emotions overwhelm me."As the miners continue to recover from their ordeal, substantial offers are being made to tell their stories.

However, they have made a pact to say little, and according to Ariel Ticona, the group is planning a book together.

Some of those affected have already been offered a chance to change their lives.

Mr Mamani has been offered a job in his homeland's government by Bolivian president Evo Morales, while Franklin Lobos, a former professional football player, has reportedly been approached by the sport's governing body, Fifa, to give motivational talks.

Many of the men have returned to their impoverished homes, and now face a search for employment after the mining company that employed them filed for bankruptcy.

Chile's government has promised to look after the rescued miners, and each has received about $12,000 in donations, but their futures remains uncertain.

"Three months from now, what will I be doing? Selling candy on the beach? Wondering what the government has done for us? Nothing," said Edison Pena. "I'm very afraid and I would like for things to change."

Others, however, said they would be content simply to return below the earth's surface. "It is my work. It is my way of earning pesos," Omar Reygadas said. "I'm happy when underground."