MIAMI- A  drilling operation has successfully broken through 2,070 ft  and into the Chilean mine where 33 miners have been trapped underground for a month and a half–a  pivotal development that has come ahead of schedule, and has raised hopes that the men may be freed earlier than expected.

“The timeline we have presented takes into consideration contingencies, that always present themselves in these circumstances, and they have been fewer than expected, “Chile’s mining minister Laurence Golborne said according to Sky News. ”At this point we’re a little bit ahead.”

Initially, the Chilean government had predicted that the miners, who have been trapped in the San Jose mine since August 5th, could be freed as early as November, or as late as December. Goldborne did not offer a new timeline after Friday’s news.

The small hole, approximately 12 inches in diameter has to be widened, in order for the men to be pulled out to safety. It will have to be increased to 26 inches with the miners themselves helping the excavation process from their end.

The 33 miners-32 Chileans, and 1 Bolivian- have been in constant contact with the surface, and have been receiving food, clothes, and other supplies since the men were found alive on August 22nd by the rescue operations.

Sky News, and Mario Faray in Copiapo, Chile contributed to this report.