The Grosvenor team: (Back row, left to right) Rebecca Blines, Darren Everett, Reece Campbell, (front row, left to right) Luke Sturmfels, Boyd Buschmann (captain), Shane Steven, Brendan Sant.

The competition tested the abilities of volunteer rescue teams from mine sites across Australia in a wide range of scenarios, including fire-fighting, simulated vehicle collisions, search and rescue, first aid and competencies in using rescue equipment. Anglo American’s Moranbah North team, who were also Australian finalists, finished in third place.

Grosvenor team captain Boyd Buschmann said the competitions were an important way for the team to hone their skills. 

“The simulations we were tested on during the competition had a high intensity level and pushed us out of our comfort zones, but the team really focused and pulled together to deliver an outstanding performance on the day,” Mr Buschmann said. 

“These competitions help ensure we have absolute confidence in our skills if we’re ever called on to undertake a rescue.

“I’m very proud of the team’s hard work, dedication and professionalism. We’re also the first mixed gender team to ever win the competition, which is a fantastic achievement.”

In August, the Grosvenor team won the Queensland Mines Rescue Competition, and Moranbah North placed second.

Mr Buschmann said the Grosvenor team was now looking forward to competing in the International Mines Rescue Competition next year in the USA.

“It’ll be an incredible honour to represent both Anglo American and our country on the international stage when we take on the best teams from around the world,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer of Anglo American’s Metallurgical Coal business, Tyler Mitchelson, congratulated the teams on their performance. 

“We’re extremely proud of all our mines rescue teams, who have consistently proven themselves to be best in class,” Mr Mitchelson said. 

“Congratulations to our Grosvenor team who have now won both the Queensland and Australian titles this year, and to our Moranbah North team for placing third in the Australian competition. Our Dawson team also won the Southern Open Cut mines rescue competition in August, demonstrating excellence across our underground and open cut teams. 

“Our mines rescue team members are volunteers who take on additional responsibility above their daily roles and we are very grateful to them for their dedication. 

“Should we have to call on them, our people can have absolute certainty that they’re supported by the best rescue teams in the business,” he said. 

Earlier this year, Anglo American committed to wholly fund the purchase of a critical piece of mines rescue equipment for use across the Queensland mining industry.

The funding commitment, in excess of $2 million, will enable the Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS) to purchase the first mobile truck-mounted emergency egress system – known as a winder – in Queensland, to assist rescue crews in the event that miners are trapped underground.

Anglo American is a leading global mining company, with significant investments within Australia and particularly in Queensland. The company operates five metallurgical coal mines in Queensland’s Bowen Basin, along with additional joint venture interests. 

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