A visiting mining crew from New South Wales has defended its title to take out the overall trophy at the South Australian Mines Emergency Response Competition.
The 14-16 October event was held at Oz Minerals’ Carrapateena mine site in the state’s Far North and included five teams competing across 11 categories.
A rescue from a mock plane crash was part of this year's competition.
Cadia Valley Mine from NSW defended its SAMERC title to again take out the overall award in 2022.
Category winners were:
- Theory – SIMEC Mining
- First Aid – Cadia Valley
- Fire Fighting - Olympic Dam Mine
- Vertical Rescue – Prominent Hill Mine
- Team Skills - Cadia Valley
- Breathing Apparatus Search & Rescue – Cadia Valley
- Industrial Rescue – Prominent Hill Mine
- Road Crash Rescue – Olympic Dam Mine
- Underground Rescue – Prominent Hill Mine
- Best Team Captain – Prominent Hill Mine
- Chairman’s Award – Carrapateena Mine
Events included realistic scenarios such as a mass casualty plane crash simulation using a retired aircraft previously used for FIFO operations in South Australia.
Oz Minerals also took the opportunity to showcase its newest mine site and training facility.
Thai cave rescue hero Dr Richard Harris attended and addressed participants about the vital role they play in search and rescue and openly shared his personal experiences.
Held during National Safe Work Month and sponsored by Oz Minerals and SafeWork SA, the weekend involved more than 100 people, including 35 volunteers performed the roles of adjudicators and casualties.
Other premium sponsors included Byrnecut Australia, South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy, SIMEC Mining and Fire and Safety Australia.
Next year’s SAMERC event will be hosted by SIMEC Mining in Whyalla.
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