Challenges faced by the Chilean President Pinera and Minister of Mining Golborne are

Taking overall responsibility for resolving the crisis

Creating and leading a team to solve specific issues in the crisis
Choosing among the options for ending the crisis
Managing criticisms from opposition, press and people in case of failure

During the San Jose rescue, Chiles political leaders raised hopes and at the same time injected
realism. The moment the President learned of the impending tragedy, the immense technical
difficulties confronting the rescuers, the mining companys lack of capabilities and personnel and
the chaos and mishandling of the family members of the trapped miners. The case in many
instances reflected the leadership style of the President and the Minister. The President went
against the recommendations of his advisers and at a significant political risk flew to the mine
site to meet a small group of family members and declare his unequivocal commitment to the
rescue. His directive was clear bring home the miners dead or alive, sparing no expense. Pinera
thus articulated the gap between reality and hope, and made a pledge to close it. He asked
Golborne and his top aides to go to San Jose and provide every help possible inspite the mine not
being under the direct control of the government.
The Mining Minister Golborne visited the site knowing fully well that the mining disaster will
become a governments disaster if he took charge but failed to manage the crisis extremely well.
When he arrived at the mine he joined a meeting with the top representatives of the mines
owner, the rescue team, the local police and the national government. Golborne took charge of
the chaotic situation and in doing so he moved another step along the path to accepting ultimate
responsibility for the entire rescue.
Along with the emotional support Pinera used his contacts to the highest executives at the staterun Codelco to provide a technical leader for the search-and rescue operation. Codelcos
executives selected Andre Sougarret to lead the rescue. Golborne decided to let the expert talk
and opted to serve as the final arbitar of all unresolved issues.
Grieving families which was the major concern, Golborne assigned psychologist Rene Aguilar to
communicate regularly with the families. These decisions reflected the overall managing skills of
the Minister and establish an affective communication. He also managed to uplift the trust and

respect between the experts. With both gains and setbacks anticipated, Golborne anticipated a
policy of fully disclosing not only the drillings success but also their failures. To make the
situation transparent, every time a drilling problem emerged, Golborne made a point of candidly
informing the relatives and the media. Thus, he was able to maintain the confidence of the people
and the media. For the rescue operation several options were planned and the minister under tie
leadership of Pinera approced the implementation of all the plans.
Drawing on the government to end the crisis, several final implications for crisis leadership
become evident.