from news: I don't understand - 'the escape shaft of the mine'

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

“A rescue capsule has just been tested successfully. It was sent 2,000 feet down into the escape shaft of the mine. The miners have been living in a chamber 2,041 feet under ground.”

I know all the words: escape, shaft, and mine.
But when they are together like that(the escape shaft of the mine), I just don’t get it…

What do they mean by?

2

The tunnel (down to the main mine shaft) which has been created by the rescue workers, through which the miners are making their escape.

What an achievement by the rescue workers, and all best wishes to the miners and their families.