The team from Glencore’s Oaky North coal mine has come out on top at the 3rd Queensland Mines Rescue Service State Competition.

They were followed by teams from Moranbah North, Broadmeadow and Ensham mines – with the top four now moving on to compete at the Australian Mines Rescue Competition, to be held at Chain Valley Colliery, NSW, next month.

The state competition, held at Boonal Rescue Station last week, tested teams across rescue scenarios including firefighting, first aid, and simulated underground operations in irrespirable conditions.

The event had been rescheduled and the venue changed at short notice due to the recent fire at the Grosvenor coal mine.

In addition to the top four placegetters, teams from Fitzroy’s Carborough Downs mine, Kestrel Resources’ Kestrel mine and Anglo American’s Aquila mine participated along with a composite team.

The Queensland Mines Rescue Service said the skills, insights, and experiences gained from this event would resonate far beyond the competition itself, benefiting the entire industry and reinforcing its commitment to safety.

Robert McShane (pictured below) from Glencore’s Oaky North mine was awarded the Matt Best Trophy for best captain and Sam Lindley, also from Oaky North, received the Chief Inspector’s Trophy for winning the theory component of the competition.