Australian specialists laud Chile rescue

Australia's Coal Services Pty Ltd which had been providing rescue advice in the Chilean mine disaster, said on Thursday, the company was pleased with the successful rescue of 33 trapped miners.

The Chilean government contacted the Coal Services Pty Ltd through its subsidiary Mines Rescue Pty Ltd in August for help in saving the miners from a chamber 700m beneath the surface.

"This is a wonderful day for the miners and their families, and a tremendous achievement for all mining professionals, government officials and volunteers in Chile who have worked so hard over the past two months to secure this outcome," Coal Services chairman Ron Land said in a statement on Thursday.

The 33 men had spent more than 69 days trapped in the lower reaches of the San Jose mine in Chile after a huge rockfall blocked their way out on August 5.

"Coal Services is also proud of the fact that our mines rescue specialists were able to contribute to this outcome and the ultimate welfare of the 33 miners trapped underground," Land said.

The advice was sought after the company's involvement in the successful Beaconsfield mine rescue in Australia's Tasmania State four years ago.

Source: Xinhua