Teams from Victorian, Tasmanian and New South Wales mines competed for a range of safety accolades during the Minerals Council of Australia’s (MCA) Victorian Mine Rescue Competition (VMRC) in Bendigo on 23-25 August 2024.
The VMRC is a major annual safety training exercise that involves simulated rescue scenarios for mine emergency response teams organised by the MCA Victoria.
Cornwall Coal won best overall at the event, followed by the Ballarat Gold Mine in second place, and Mandalay Resources, Costerfield Operations in third place.
MCA says scenarios are hosted by Agnico Eagle’s Fosterville Gold Mine and the Central Deborah Gold Mine.
The safety training exercise relies on volunteers, adjudicators, and sponsors.
Eight teams completed the simulated exercises, helping prepare mines for any emergencies.
MCA adds that an important part of the competition is the involvement of emergency response agencies, including Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria to improve preparedness with the mine rescue community.
The winning team for overall safety was the Fosterville Gold Mine.
Mandalay Resources, Costerfield Operations won first place for the fire exercise, followed by the Cornwall Coal Mine in second place, and Stawell Gold Mines in third place.
Cornwall Coal Mine won first place for the first aid, followed by Ballarat Gold Mines in second, and Stawell Gold Mines in third.
For the ropes exercise, Fosterville Gold Mine won first place, Mandalay Resources, Costerfield Operations achieved second, and Cornwall Coal Mine secured third place.
Ballarat Gold Mine won first for the underground search and rescue, while Fosterville Gold and Cornwall Coal secured second and third respectively.
Meanwhile for the skills exercise, Cornwall Coal won first, Mandalay Resources Costerfield Operations was second, and both CFA Oscar 1 and Fosterville Gold were equal in third place.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Minerals Council of Australia
