Anglo American wins first, second place at national mine competition in Bowen Basin

Global mining giant Anglo American took out the top two spots for a national mine rescue competition held in the Bowen Basin.

Global mining giant Anglo American took out the top two spots for a national mine rescue competition held in the Bowen Basin, on the back of claiming winner and runner-up at a state event three months earlier.

The emergency response capabilities of eight mines rescue teams were put through the paces at the 59th annual Australian Underground Coal Mines Rescue competition held at Moranbah North.

After a gruelling day Grosvenor and Moranbah North mines won first and second place respectively, with South 32’s Dendrobium Blue from Wollongong NSW placing third.

The competition included underground and surface simulation exercises to demonstrate knowledge and use of equipment in realistic scenarios, such as testing hazard awareness, underground search and rescue, first aid and firefighting.

Mines rescue teams in action for the 59th annual Australian Underground Coal Mines Rescue competition. Pictures: Supplied by Anglo American

The simulated real-life scenarios included longwall rock falls, grinder and crush injuries, drift fires and even snake bites. Each simulation had a time limit and assessors scored each element of the test.

Grosvenor team captain Boyd Buschmann said he thought the state competition at Carborough Downs was the toughest competition his team had encountered but Moranbah North had put on a challenging event too.

The day’s format included 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 firefighting. Pictures: Supplied by Anglo American

“Carborough Downs was very technical and probably pushed us to places we hadn’t been before. (This) was more physical but the team soldiered on and persevered,” he said.

Grosvenor and Moranbah North Mines were also winner and runner-up at the 2023 Queensland State Cup for Mines Rescue in July.

The simulated real-life scenarios included longwall rock falls, grinder and crush injuries, drift fires and even snake bites. Pictures: Supplied by Anglo American

Moranbah North Mine general manager Paul Green said these competitions provided an invaluable opportunity to enhance skills and training.

“It’s about having a very capable skill set of people with the readiness to deploy and save lives,” he said.

“Events like this also allow for collaboration of our mines rescue teams, which is what coal mining is all about.”

Each simulation had a time limit and assessors scored each element of the test. Pictures: Supplied by Anglo American

Mr Green said the friendly rivalry between the sister mines added a unique dimension to this national competition for him but commended all teams on their grit in physically and mentally demanding state competitions to get there.

The Queensland teams included Grosvenor, Moranbah North, Broadmeadow and Kestrel mines, while teams from Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Southern and Western Mines Rescue represented New South Wales.

Grosvenor and Moranbah North Mines were also winner and runner-up at the 2023 Queensland State Cup for Mines Rescue in July. Pictures: Supplied by Anglo American

Queensland Mines Rescue Service general manager Ray Smith said events like this allowed the teams to “test and hone their skills in preparation for the unfortunate circumstance where they may be called upon”.

“They get confidence and understand their limitations, especially around firefighting and patient care,” he said.

“That heightened awareness definitely gives them something else they take back to their coal mine; confident they can deal with any sort of situation.

“We want to see every coal mine worker go back home safely.”

The Grosvenor and Moranbah North teams are expected to be invited to an international competition in Colombia in 2024.