Back to Resourceful July 2022

Mines Rescue puts their skills to the test

Mount Isa Mines’ (MIM) Mines Rescue team has competed fiercely at the Northern Australia Emergency Response Competition (NAERC) organised by the Minerals Council of Australia and held in Darwin in May.

NAERC plays an important role in emergency response training as it provides the teams with the opportunity to test their skills through simulated emergency situations and learn from the other teams, while being judged by professional adjudicators.

The simulations are designed to replicate as closely as possible real emergencies including, firefighting, underground vertical rescue, road accident rescue, rescue from heights and first aid. The team’s technical knowledge and communication skills are tested as they respond to each scenario.

  • NAERC plays an important role in emergency response training.

  • The simulations include firefighting, underground vertical rescue, road accident rescue, rescue from heights and first aid.

  • NAERC ‘s motto is ‘the minute saved through practice is the minute needed to save a life'.

  • The simulations are designed to be as realistic as possible.

This year’s team was made up of Captain Dan Devalter, Vice-Captain Brendan Twyman, Rescue Officers Anthony Hay, Justin Nielson, Shane Rivers, Peter Walker and Rob Laws, Team Manager Tim Double, Team Marshall Jackson White and Casualty George Stuart.

Our team competed against other groups from RIO Gove, South 32 Cannington, Newmont Tanami, Rio Tinto and Fosterville Gold Mine.

Senior - Emergency and Protective Services, Rodney Reith, says competitions such as NAERC are a great way for the team to learn new skills and techniques under a high pressure and competitive environment and receive valuable feedback on their approach.

  • NAERC is an integral part of emergency response training and something our Mines Rescue teams have relished competing in for many years.

  • Our Mines Rescue team recruits for new members several times each year.

  • Attending to a casualty in a simulated scenario.

  • Building fellowship while working together through emergency situations.

“Sending our teams to these events helps to ensure our Mines Rescue members are as knowledgeable and experienced as possible, demonstrating our utmost commitment to safety,” says Rodney.

“It is a chance to see how the team works together when facing an emergency and points out areas for improvement which can be developed during training sessions.”

“Mines Rescue plays a crucial role in our emergency management approach across our operations, providing fast response capabilities to underground incidents across site around the clock.”

While the team didn’t come away with a win this year, these competitions benefit the entire industry due to the experience and knowledge our Mines Rescue members gain.

Congratulations and thank you to all team members who participated this year, and who continue to play an important role in the MIM Mines Rescue team.

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