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Lobos, who along with another 32 miners was trapped underground at the San Jose copper-gold mine for 69 days before being rescued, said Coal Services’ experience was applicable to hard rock mining, especially in water and strata control.

“This Mines Rescue station is very professional – I have not seen anything like it,” he said, speaking through a translator.

“I am very keen to report my experience here back to Chilean mine management and the Chilean government – there is a lot we could learn from the way New South Wales Mines Rescue operates.

“In Chile, many of the smaller mining companies do not have very strict safety protocols. However, often the larger mining companies place a high value on miners’ safety.”

When asked what advice he would give to anyone trapped in a mine, Lobos replied: “The thing that got us through our ordeal was that we were there for one another. My advice would be to create a strong bond with those who surround you and to try and be patient.”

Connell said there seemed to be a stark difference in training procedures between what was practised in NSW and what Lobos had previously experienced.

“Some of the challenges faced by workers in metal mines can be very different to those experienced by coal miners,” Connell said.

“However, Mr Lobos expressed that many of the safety drills taught at the station are applicable to metal miners, and that the training facilities at Mines Rescue were the best that he had ever seen.

“Getting to meet Mr Lobos was a wonderful opportunity as he is very down to earth and willing to share his experiences. Mr Lobos’ stories about the importance of camaraderie and calmness in an emergency reinforce the values that we try to instil in our brigadesmen.”