"We never talked about that but when everything passed, it became a joke, " Urzua says.

CNN: Chilean miners waited for death

After that, Urzua says the key became making democratic decisions under trying circumstances.

CNN: Chilean miners waited for death

Luis Urzua, the shift foreman, gave his men the bad news straight.

CNN: Chilean miners waited for death

Luis Urzua - the shift leader and last man out of the mine - paid an emotional tribute to all those involved in the rescue.

BBC: Chile marks year since mine collapse

And as the president of Chile said, for Urzua, who chose to be the last rescued from the mine, a very tough shift was finally over.

CNN: Chilean miners waited for death

The last to surface was Urzua, the 54-year-old shift boss.

CNN: After a final day together, miners begin to disband

"There was only one key, " Urzua says.

CNN: Chilean miners waited for death