CHARLESTON -- Two men who police said entered an abandoned Massey Energy mine in Kanawha County earlier this week hid from mine rescue teams and only exited the mine after hearing rescuers blast through seals as they tried to get to other sections of the mine, according to a company release.

"We feel that the individuals thought that the mine was exploding and they exited the mine the same way they entered. We do not feel that were lost at all," company spokesman Jeff Gillenwater said in the release, which was issued Friday afternoon.

Police arrested Aaron Hudgins, 26, of Gallagher and Ruan Patrick Rucker, 24, of Hugheston after they were found Thursday evening leaving the Stockon mine.

The two entered the mine Tuesday about 5:30 p.m. to steal copper and had not been seen until they were found alive in the mine about 6 p.m. Thursday, police said.

According to the release issued by Massey, the suspects got into the mine by spreading metal bars that had been placed to keep people out.

Massey responded to the mine with 36 individuals, including two mine rescue teams, to conduct a search. When rescue teams entered the mine on Wednesday, they encountered hazardous conditions including many areas where the roof had fallen, the release said.

"The search for these individuals put those who entered the mine in considerable risk," the release said.

Gillenwater said the two individuals hid from the mine rescue teams on Wednesday and would not answer calls for response from the rescue teams.

On Thursday, Massey used explosives to blast through a $10,000 seal to gain access to search other areas of the mine, the release said.

That's when company officials said the two men got scared and left the mine.

The release also said Massey would wait at least 36 hours before starting a search of a mine.

"There have been multiple incidents in recent months were thieves have illegally entered old mines and ultimately endangered the lives of others by doing so. If future incidences occur, Massey will not attempt any rescue for at least 36 hours after the report of missing individuals," the release said.

Both suspects were being held at the South Central Regional Jail.