The National Mining and Metal Workers Union ( SNTMMSRM ) stated Statement that the trapped miners were approximately below ground , via a mile-long horizontal shaft .

Previous geological instability at the old mine and a long record of safety violations for the mine 's owners , San Esteban Mining Company , had resulted in Causation a series of fines and accidents Catastrophe , including eight deaths Death , during the dozen years leading up to this accident Catastrophe .

The Ballarat Mining Exchange Exchange ( 1887−9 ) is regularly used Using as an exhibition space .