Emergency response, News, Training, Underground operations

Anglo American’s mine rescue gold

The top prize at the 2024 Australian Underground Mines Rescue competition has gone to Anglo American’s Queensland Moranbah North mines rescue team.

The annual event brings together the top mines rescue teams to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to safety in the mining industry.

Four teams from New South Wales and four from Queensland, each having won their respective regional competitions, competed for the 2024 title which was held at Chain Valley Colliery near Newcastle on October 24.

The MG3 Appin team (Southern Mines Rescue, NSW) was runner-up, followed by Centennial Coal’s Springvale team (Western Mines Rescue, NSW) which took out third place.

Now in its 60th year, the competition features a series of challenging scenarios that replicate real-life emergencies faced in mining operations in both underground and surface environments.

Teams were assessed on their technical skills, teamwork and communications as they navigated simulated incidents such as hazard awareness, underground search and rescue, first aid and fire-fighting.

Anglo American Australia chief executive officer Dan van der Westhuizen said the Moranbah North Mine mines rescue team had proven time and again it was among the best in the country.

The Moranbah North team took home first place. Image: Anglo American

“Mines rescue competitions are an essential opportunity for our industry to ensure we have the right skill sets ready to deploy and save lives across our industry, in the event this becomes necessary,” he said.

“Our highly-skilled mines rescue teams are fundamental to our ongoing commitment to the emergency readiness of Queensland’s coal mining industry.

“I hope more people feel inspired to join their local rescue teams and gain vital skills.”

Queensland Mines Rescue service general manager – 0perations Ray Smith said the event was important for the Australian underground coal mining industry.

“The competition is not only a chance for teams to demonstrate and hone their skills but also serves to raise awareness about the importance of safety in mining operations,” he said.

“It brings together the best mines rescue teams from Australian underground coal mines to compete and demonstrate their skills and knowledge.

“At the end of the day, we celebrate the success of the best team on the day but it’s the industry that gains the most from the experience and learnings gained by team members.”

The Moranbah North mines rescue team will be invited to represent Australia at the International Mines Rescue Competition which will be held in Zambia in 2026.

Subscribe to Safe to Work to get the safety news that matters to the Australian mining industry.

Send this to a friend