Mining heavyweights BHP and Newmont will go head-to-head this week in a major mine safety exercise alongside 11 other teams from across the country.
Flexing their safety muscles, competing teams will put their skills to the test at the 2026 Victorian Mine Rescue Competition in Bendigo on February 28 and March 1.
The competition – a high-intensity emergency response training event that brings together mine rescue teams from five states across Australia and emergency services agencies – includes gripping simulated emergency scenarios in fire, road safety, rescue from heights, hazardous material and more.
The competition will also involve emergency response agencies, including Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police, to help ensure first responders and safety agencies are prepared for any incidents across the state.
Joining BHP’s South Australian copper operations and Newmont’s Cadia in the 2026 competition are Victory Minerals, Alkane Costerfield Operations, Stawell Gold Mine, CSA Mine, Evolution – Lake Cowal, Cement Australia (Cornwall Coal), ISH24 Mutual Aid Women’s Team, Evolution – Northparkes Operations, Bengalla Mining, CFA Oscar 1, and Fosterville Gold Mine.
“Supporting and training highly trained rescue personnel across Australia contributes greatly to the minerals industry’s commitment to zero harm,” the Minerals Council of Australia said in a statement.
Winners will be announced after the exercises on March 1.
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