Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS), in partnership with Anglo American, has commissioned a critical new piece of rescue equipment for use across Queensland’s underground mines.

The Queensland mining industry-first Shaft Rescue System (SRS) consists of a mobile truck- mounted emergency system to assist in underground rescues.

The machinery’s capabilities were demonstrated yesterday (July 28) at Anglo’s Aquila coal mine, near Middlemount in Central Queensland.

QMRS chief executive officer David Carey acknowledged Anglo American for funding the equipment, with a contribution of more than $2.3 million, and supporting QMRS in its design and engineering.

“While we hope we never need to use it, the Shaft Rescue System will form part of the emergency response plan for every underground mine site in Queensland and we’re grateful for Anglo American’s support in delivering it,” Mr Carey said.

“The SRS lowers interchangeable cages into mine shafts to rescue trapped miners and is equipped with a world-first intrinsically safe directional Wi-Fi communications system that can be used safely underground.

“The Wi-Fi enables radio communications from the rescue cage to the surface, captures and shares real-time video and sends data from a gas monitoring system.

“This equipment will make a meaningful difference to our emergency response capabilities in Queensland and will be housed at our Dysart headquarters in the heart of the Bowen Basin, so it’s close by if ever required.”

The QMRS, with MCA Engineering, has designed the winder to go to a depth of 1200m to cover the deepest mine shafts accessible from the surface in Australia – including the metalliferous sector as well as coal.

Head of safety and health at Anglo American’s steelmaking coal business, Marc Kirsten, said the company was pleased to support QMRS in delivering the Shaft Rescue System for all of those who worked underground in the mining industry in Queensland.