The two miners trapped almost a kilometre underground at the Beaconsfield gold mine in northern Tasmania have been given clean clothes, torches, and reading material, as well as extra food and drink.
But the mine manager, Matthew Gill, says rescuers have not yet begun using a special machine brought in to bore a one-metre wide tunnel through solid rock, big enough for Brant Webb and Todd Russell to get out.
He says the machine is in place, and there are plans to start using Wednesday.
Mr Gill says the machine has to be anchored in concrete or steel, and the process can not be rushed.
"I can't stress (enough) how difficult and dangerous the next phase is. And this emotional roller-coaster, I know the families are going through, I know the community is going through, we on site are going through, I'm sure a lot of the people are going through, we just have to keep our head and work through it, logically and carefully and sensibly."
Mr GILL says the two miners are hydrated, well-fed, and in good spirits, having cheeky conversations with the rescuers.
He says Mr Russell has announced his resignation, and is asking for the Saturday newspaper to look for a new job.