The 31st annual Victorian Mine Rescue Competition (VMRC) in Bendigo has showcased the skills and preparedness of emergency response teams from mines across Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania.
Cornwall Coal emerged as the overall winner of the competition, with Ballarat Gold Mine and Mandalay Resources Costerfield Operations securing second and third places respectively.
The event, organised by the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) Victoria, is a crucial safety training exercise that simulates rescue scenarios to enhance the capabilities of mine emergency response teams.
This year’s competition featured eight teams participating in various simulated exercises designed to prepare mines for potential emergencies.
The scenarios were hosted by Agnico Eagle’s Fosterville Gold Mine and the Central Deborah Gold Mine, providing realistic settings for the challenges.
James Sorahan, Executive Director of MCA Victoria, emphasised the importance of the competition in supporting highly trained rescue personnel.
He also highlighted the valuable involvement of emergency response agencies, including Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria, which contributes to improved preparedness within the mine rescue community.
The competition covered a wide range of skills, with teams competing in events such as fire exercises, first aid, ropes exercises, underground search and rescue, and road crash rescue.
Notably, Mandalay Resources Costerfield Operations excelled in the fire exercise and theory categories, while Fosterville Gold Mine demonstrated outstanding performance in the ropes exercise and overall safety.
Anthony Woods from Cornwall Coal Mine was recognised as the Winning Team Captain, showcasing exceptional leadership throughout the competition.
The VMRC relies heavily on the dedication of volunteers, adjudicators, and sponsors, all of whom play a crucial role in enhancing safety standards in Victorian mines.
As the competition enters its fourth decade, it continues to be a cornerstone of the mining industry’s commitment to safety and emergency preparedness.
