Victorian, New South Wales and Tasmanian mines recently took part in the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) Victorian Mine Rescue Competition (VMRC) in Bendigo.
The VMRC is a major annual safety training exercise involving simulated rescue scenarios for mine emergency response teams organised by MCA Victoria.
Scenarios were hosted by Agnico Eagle’s Fosterville gold mine, and the Central Deborah gold mine.
This safety training exercise extravaganza relies on volunteers, adjudicators, and sponsors all dedicated to improving safety in Victorian mines.
Eight teams competed in simulated exercises helping prepare mines for a range of emergencies.
Cornwall coal mine from Tasmania won best overall at the event, followed by the Victorian Ballarat gold mine in second place and Mandalay Resources Costerfield operations in third place.
An important part of the competition is the involvement of emergency response agencies including Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria to improve preparedness with the mine rescue community.
“The competition is a critical part of the mining industry’s efforts to support highly trained rescue personnel now in its 31st year,” MCA Victoria executive director James Sorahan said.
“MCA Victoria thanks the numerous volunteers and sponsors that make this mine safety training possible.”
Mandalay Resources came first in the fire exercise, theory, and breathing apparatus divisions, while Cornwall coal mine took home the top prize for the skills exercise, and first aid sections.
Ballarat gold mine was the winner of the underground search and rescue scenario, and Cowal gold mine took home gold for its performance in the road crash rescue division.
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