Queensland’s Moranbah North mines rescue team has been named overall winner of the 2024 Australian Underground Mines Rescue competition.

The event at Chain Valley Colliery near Newcastle tested the skills of four qualifying teams from NSW and four from Queensland.

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

Queensland Mines Rescue Service general manager – operations 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 teams competing this year included Thungela Ensham, Glencore Oaky North, Anglo American Moranbah North and BHP Broadmeadow from Queensland along with GM3 Appin, Centennial Springvale and two composite teams from New South Wales.

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

But he said to win the Australian Underground Coal Mines Rescue competition on the back of a fierce international competition in Colombia last month showed the team’s training was exceptional.

“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. Preparedness is crucial, whether it’s in the workplace or in the wider community.”

Teams from Anglo American‘s Grosvenor and Moranbah North mines participated in the International Mines Rescue Competition in Colombia last month after winning first and second place respectively at the 59th annual Australian Underground Coal Mines Rescue competition last year.

Their travel timetable precluded the Grosvenor team from competing in Queensland State Cup in September to qualify for this year’s national competition.

Image at top of page: The Moranbah North team included (front row) Blake Thompson, Jason Seaborn (captain), Scott Ryan (vice captain), Lil Shanley, (back row) Matt Gough, Kelly Bowmaker, Troy Williams.

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