By Stuart Rintoul, The Weekend Australian

Above ground, the company appeared paralysed. Stenographers took extensive notes of meetings, convincing many that the company was preparing not just for an inquiry, but perhaps even criminal proceedings.  The tension below ground was so intense that barricades were erected in level 925. Several men were threatened with $20,000 fines by mining inspector Fred Sears. Cheeseman was banned from working underground during the rescue, on grounds that he was too emotionally involved. On the Monday morning after Russell and Webb were found, miners almost rioted, knowing there was a quicker if not safer way to them. They had to be talked down.

Read more here: Beating the odds at level 925

Also, The Age: Miner’s tale from the bowels of the earth