The 2024 Queensland Mines Rescue State Cup held on September 5 at the QMRS Boonal Station near Blackwater brought together the best in underground rescue teams for a well-contested and intense event.
Competing under high-pressure conditions, teams demonstrated their skill, resilience and commitment to safety in a series of challenging rescue scenarios designed to test both mental and physical endurance.
This year’s competition highlighted the teamwork and dedication essential in the mining industry, with teams navigating complex rescue operations that mirror the real-life situations they may face underground.
The competition presented multiple challenges, testing teams across various rescue scenarios, including firefighting, first aid, and simulated underground operations in irrespirable conditions. These exercises took place at the Boonal Rescue Station’s simulated mine, providing teams with a realistic training environment.
Mines Rescue teams are a vital part of Queensland’s mining sector, with their skillset providing a safety net for workers and the broader community.
The event, supported by FRSA (Fire Rescue Safety Australia), Simitars, Dräger, Blackwoods, MSA, Performance Training, Bolle, Lunar Mining, Paramount Safety and TACMED showcased how well these teams perform under pressure.
From rescuing casualties to tackling dangerous hazards in confined spaces, each team gave it their all to claim the top spots in this year’s competition.
But there can only be one winner, and it was Glencore’s Oaky North Mine who took out first place. Second place went to Anglo American’s Moranbah North Mine, third place to BMA’s Broadmeadow Mine and Sungela Ensham Mine came in fourth. These top four teams will now represent Queensland at the Australian Mines Rescue Competition held in NSW on October 24.
Individual performances were also recognised, with Robert McShane from Glencore’s Oaky North Mine receiving the Matt Best Captain Trophy and Sam Lindley, also from Oaky North, being awarded the Chief Inspector’s Trophy for his success in the theory component of the competition.
Notably, the competition was rescheduled and the venue changed at short notice due to recent events at Grosvenor. Despite these challenges, all teams displayed remarkable skill, resilience, and adaptability, demonstrating their ability to perform in the most trying conditions.
While only the top four teams will move on to the Australian Mines Rescue Competition, QMRS recognises the contributions of all participating teams, including Fitzroy’s Carborough Downs Mine, Kestrel Resources’ Kestrel Mine, Anglo American’s Aquila Mine, and the Composite team made up of various mines from across Queensland’s coal mining industry.
Competitions like this provide a vital platform for sharing knowledge, refining rescue techniques and building collaboration across the sector. Every team, regardless of their final standing, plays a crucial role in advancing the overall preparedness and safety culture within the mining industry. The skills, insights and experiences gained from this event will resonate far beyond the competition itself, benefitting the entire industry and the wider community.
Best of luck to the teams as they prepare to take on the national stage and continue to set the benchmark for mines rescue excellence.
Image credit: Fee Powell Photography
