The mines rescue team from Anglo American's Moranbah North Mine has been named Queensland champions after winning the 2021 EK Healy Cup, held at the North Goonyella Mine in the Bowen Basin this month.
The state competition tests the abilities of volunteer rescue teams from several companies across Queensland in a wide range of scenarios, including firefighting, simulated vehicle collisions, search and rescue, first aid and competencies in using rescue equipment. Anglo American’s Grosvenor mines rescue team, finished in second place.
Anglo American’s Head of Underground Mines Craig Manz said the scenarios enable the teams to fine-tune their emergency response skills when under immense pressure.
“Safety is one of our core values at Anglo American and we’re extremely proud of all our mines rescue teams, who have consistently proven themselves to be best in class,” Mr Manz said.
“Congratulations to the team captains of Moranbah North and Grosvenor – Scott Ryan (MNM) and Boyd Bushman (Grosvenor) - who were awarded joint recipients of the Best Team Captain Award.
“Another special recognition went to Jason Seaborn from Moranbah North for the Matt Best Trophy for top marks in the theory assessment test.
“These competitions help ensure we have absolute confidence in our skills if we’re ever called on to undertake a rescue. Our mines rescue teams are volunteers who take on additional responsibility above their daily roles and we are very grateful to them for their dedication.”
The EK Healy Cup competition is hosted by the Queensland Mines Rescue Service, a provider of mines rescue services and mine recovery services in Queensland. Last 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.
