Tired, but happy and with much more knowledge than when they arrived. That was the assessment of the participants in the cross-cutting training on emergency intervention in underground mining, led by the Codelco Mine Rescue Brigade, El Teniente Division, and in which GOPE and Rancagua Firefighters also participated, through the Hazardous Environment Recognition and Intervention Group (GRIMP).

Safety concepts, geomechanics, mine ventilation, use of equipment, respiratory protection, monitoring and measurement of the atmosphere were some of the points reviewed during the training, which lasted four days and totaled 32 hours of training, with theoretical and practical exercises and was certified by Sernageomin.

“We brought this experience from the rescue in July in Arica, in Pampa Camarones, where we had the opportunity to work with the GOPE. That is where this concern arose that we were able to materialize with this cross-cutting training,” explains Iván Silva Pozas, head of the Mine Rescue Brigade of the El Teniente Division.

After the theoretical classes, the teams faced simulations of emergencies inside the mine: rope rescue at the Teniente 7 level; rescue at height in the Phase 4 Crusher at the Diablo Regimiento mine; and a rock burst at the Esmeralda mine, where a collapse was recreated that made visibility difficult and in which, in addition, the teams had to rescue a person from another sector that had also suffered collapses.

“It is important for the Division to have these training sessions and, in addition, to do so with other institutions. Today we have a joint learning process with the techniques taught to us by the Fire Department, the GOPE and those that we use with our expertise in underground mining,” says Silva. “Although we are very well positioned in mining rescue, continuous improvement must be permanent. These training sessions help us to polish ourselves and improve these programs, so that many more rescuers come to learn from us and vice versa.”

Sernageomin's regional director, Pablo Yáñez, welcomed the interest of the participants and stated that "this course is a key piece to equip workers with advanced tools and theoretical-practical skills that guarantee effectiveness in emergency management and maximum safety in mining operations, ensuring the comprehensive protection of the life and well-being of each member of the Division."

A unique experience

The first sergeant of the Carabineros of the GOPE Atacama, Fernando Marín, highlighted the quality of the course. “We are very grateful for the experience, for the knowledge provided by the different instructors. It was very enriching and I highlight the professionalism of the instructors of the Mine Rescue Brigade of El Teniente, who work very closely and as a team. I never thought I would live an experience like this,” he said.

Volunteers from the Rancagua Fire Department highlighted the teamwork. “It was a unique experience, inside the mine there is 100% safety. Having trained here and applying our rescue techniques was very beneficial and we are proud to have worked with the GOPE and the El Teniente Mine Rescue Brigade, which is one of the best in the country,” said Sebastián Ruz, head of the GRIMP Unit.

Morelli López, an operator at the Esmeralda mine and member of the El Teniente Division Mine Rescue Brigade, praised the meeting: “Sharing with the GOPE and the Fire Department was a wonderful experience. We shared different techniques, experiences and tools that we brought to our work environment, which not everyone knows about.”