Mines rescue brigades from across Queensland and New South Wales (NSW) will descend on the Bowen Basin this week for the 59th annual Australian Underground Coal Mines Rescue Competition.
Four Queensland teams and four NSW teams will vie for the national title at Anglo American’s Moranbah North Mine on Thursday (October 19, 2023), with the winner invited to an international competition in South America.
Competing for Queensland are Anglo American’s mines near Moranbah, Grosvenor mine and Moranbah North mine, as well as BMA-owned Broadmeadow mine and Kestrel mine – all in the Bowen Basin.
Teams from Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Southern and Western Mines Rescue represent NSW.
The day’s format includes several underground and surface simulation exercises to demonstrate knowledge and the use of equipment in realistic scenarios, including exercises to test hazard awareness, underground search and rescue, first aid and fire-fighting.
Queensland Mines Rescue Service Chief Executive Officer Tim Jackson said numerous competitions were held each year across the mining regions to challenge the proficiency of brigade members’ emergency response and recovery techniques.
“The primary purpose of Mines Rescue is to provide emergency response to the industry in the case of an emergency,” he said.
“Events like these allow the brigades to test and hone their skills in preparation for the unfortunate circumstance where they may be called upon.
“With their skills, experience and teamwork they will, at the end of the competition, be a much better team.”
Moranbah North Mine General Manager Paul Green, who will host the 2023 national event, said these competitions provided an invaluable opportunity to enhance skills and training.
“Mines rescue competitions serve as a vital platform for our industry to highlight critical aspects of mine safety,” he said.
“They reassure our employees and their families that we have highly-trained individuals.
“Beyond recognition, they are a testament to our industry’s ongoing commitment to zero harm and continuous improvement of our capability to respond swiftly and effectively when called upon.”
Mr Green said Grosvenor mine emerged as the state champions at the 2023 Queensland State Cup for Mines Rescue in July, with the Moranbah North team finishing runner-up.
“This friendly rivalry between our sister mines adds a unique dimension to this national competition for me but I commend all teams on their grit in physically and mentally demanding state competitions to get here,” he said.
“Best of luck to all competitors and thank you to all our dedicated volunteers for what will no doubt be a tremendous event.”
Coal Services’ Mines Rescue General Manager Alaster Wylie said 2023 was a significant year for NSW Mines Rescue, having just commemorated the 100-year anniversary of the Bellbird Mine Disaster.
He said the event was the catalyst for change in the industry, resulting in the Mines Rescue Act 1925 and establishment of a mines rescue service.
“Almost a century later, our highly skilled mines rescue brigades continue to play a pivotal role in upholding the standards that contribute to incident prevention,” he said.
“We prioritise safety through the implementation of rigorous work practices and the establishment of robust controls to mitigate the hazards of underground mining.
“Their advanced knowledge and expertise are instrumental in ensuring a safer working environment for all.”
All Mines Rescue competitions are the culmination of extensive planning to create realistic and demanding scenarios that challenge the capabilities of each participating team, ensuring a memorable experience for all involved.
The winners will be announced at a presentation dinner to be held following the competition on Thursday.
The winning team will be invited to represent Australia at the International Mines Rescue
Competition which will be held in Colombia in 2024.
Images from the Queensland Underground Coal Mines Rescue Competition held in July. Photos supplied: AngloAmerican
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