For 24 hours last week, the world was riveted on Chile. Major news channels - from BBC to CNN - suspended programming to follow the rescue of 33 miners trapped deep beneath the earth's surface. Viewers around the world held a collective breath as the global media brought common focus to persistent problems for miners, invisible soldiers in a battle to extract minerals for a hungry world, and highlighted unprecedented international cooperation.

One mining publication called the high-profile rescue a "great triumph" for Chile and the global mining industry. While the rescue had a happy ending, it displayed a risk-averse global society that demands comforts at low costs, prioritizes profits over safety, and delays regulation while swiftly collaborating during crisis.