Update: This story, also from The Wall Street Journal, leads off with the dramatically simple statement, "The rescue of the Chilean miners is a smashing victory for free-market capitalism."

The dramatic rescue now underway of 33 Chilean miners trapped deep underground since August 5 has captured the imagination of the entire world. Speaking on the eve of the rescue’s final stage, Chilean President Sebastian Piñera has said, “I can assure you we have done everything possible. We have done our best.”

Doing “everything possible” included deploying several different strategies simultaneously to see which would bear fruit. In the end, the miners are making their way to the surface weeks ahead of schedule thanks to the success of an effort dubbed “Plan B.”

Playing a critical role in drilling the Plan B rescue shaft were two Pennsylvania companies that provide a shining example of American free enterprise. As the final stage drew near, the Wall Street Journal reported:

Center Rock Inc., of Berlin, Pa., is providing the drilling-bit technology for the Plan B effort, in which a drill rig from West Chester, Pa.-based Schramm Inc. is widening a 12-inch-wide shaft into a hole that is 28 inches in diameter.

The Journal explains that, thanks to innovative technologies, the “Schramm-Center Rock team got to the miners faster than two other drills that the government had brought to the mine.”

Mention innovation and most Americans will think of the high-technology products of Silicon Valley. But in fact, innovation is the engine of American free enterprise in many different sectors—including more than a few that require you to get your hands dirty.

The rescue of the miners is a success for hundreds of Chileans who worked tirelessly to reach this goal. Technologies from Japan and Europe were also used, and NASA chipped in as well. We Americans should be proud that our own cutting edge-companies are also making an important contribution.