The award reflects MineARC’s growth and expansion into global export markets since the company’s inception in 1999.

MineARC now exports to more than 30 countries across five continents, supplying refuge chambers and other life-saving industrial safety solutions to many of the world’s top underground mines, as well as tunnelling projects and chemical processing facilities.

“Our exporting success has been achieved thanks to our solid domestic footing here in Australia. We’re part of a proud tradition of Australian companies who export best practice mining technology to the rest of the world,” MineARC managing director Geoff Whittaker said.

The news follows the highly acclaimed rescue of the 33 Chilean miners who were trapped underground for more than two months.

At the time, MineARC said the country mandated the provision of refuge chambers for its underground mines, but compliance was an issue.

“Fortunately at San Jose they were in place – as has been widely reported, it’s highly unlikely all 33 men would have survived without the vital shelter and supplies the chamber provided during those crucial first 19 days before contact with the surface was made,” the company said.

The awards are voted for annually by Austrade officials and Export Award sponsors, including ANZ, Rio Tinto and The West Australian.