The threat of poisonous gas leakages, explosions and collapsing shafts has lessened in recent decades as the industry, led by multinational companies, has improved safety. For that reason some mining industry professionals...have queried how a Chilean mining company could have allowed the type of shaft collapse common in the 19th century...The accident shows an important division in the world of mining. Global corporations such as Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, Vale and Anglo American form one part of it. All of them have poured considerable money and effort into safety improvements...Another part of the industry is smaller scale, without the resources to prioritise mine safety. San Esteban mining company, owner of the San José mine, is in the second category. It is an old mine that was reopened as the copper price rose...In the case of the San José rescue, the multinationals active in Chile chipped in with technological expertise alongside Codelco... [also refers to Xstrata]