Obama hails Chile mine rescue as inspiration

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama on Wednesday hailed the ongoing rescue of Chile's trapped miners as an inspiration to the world.

"I want to express the hopes of the American people that the miners who are still trapped underground will be returned home safely as soon as possible," Obama said in the White House Rose Garden as rescue efforts continued in northern Chile.

Obama was among millions around the world watching on television on Tuesday night when the first of 33 miners were hoisted to the surface after a two-month ordeal.

Nineteen had been rescued by the time Obama, speaking at a White House event about U.S. college loan programs, started his comments by paying homage to the rescue operation.

"This rescue is a tribute not only to the determination of the rescue workers and the Chilean government but also the unity and resolve of the Chilean people who have inspired the world," Obama said.

"Let me also commend so many people of good will not only in Chile but also from the United States and around the world who are lending a hand in this rescue effort," he said.

"From the NASA team that helped design the escape vehicle to American companies that manufacturer and delivered parts of the rescue drill to the American engineer who flew in from Afghanistan to operate the drill," he added.

(Reporting by Matt Spetalnick; Editing by Anthony Boadle)