Anglo American will purchase a $2 million winder, a mobile truck-mounted emergency egress system, to assist rescue crews in the event miners are trapped underground.
The company will wholly fund the purchase for the Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS) to use across the Queensland mining industry.
Anglo American chief executive of metallurgical coal business Tyler Mitchelson said the QMRS provided a crucial emergency response services to the mining industry.
“It’s crucial that we arm them with the resources they may need to undertake potentially life-saving work. As the largest underground coal miner in Australia, we understand how important it is to have this type of equipment available in case of an emergency,” Mitchelson said.
“We are making a significant investment in this critical piece of mines rescue equipment, not just for the safety of our own people, but for all of those who work in the Queensland mining industry.”
QMRS CEO David Carey said the funding was a welcome commitment from Anglo American.
“While we hope we never need to use it, this life-saving equipment will likely form part of the emergency response plan for every mine site in Queensland,” Carey said.
“It’s a significant donation which will improve emergency response capabilities across the entire Queensland mining industry, and we extend our sincere thanks to Anglo American.”