Category - EMERGENCIES & MINES RESCUE

Emergency management and rescue activities at sites is an important element of a mining sites’ risk mitigation strategy.

Mines rescue facilitates the rescue of personnel from hazardous (often life-threatening) conditions in underground or surface mines. It is typically performed by highly trained personnel who are familiar with the hazards associated when operating at a mine site. The uniques skills of rescuers involve the identification and control of hazards including flammable or toxic gases, oxygen-deficient atmospheres, mine fires, complicated geological conditions, flooding with water or extraction of personnel from mining vehicles. Teams work together under a command structure to develop strategies to recover miners trapped in emergency situations either underground or on the surface of the mine while not placing themselves in harm.

There are two aspects to mines rescue. The primary objective is to recover personnel from hazardous condition underground. The secondary objective may be to recover the mine and prepare it for reuse following an incident.

Mines rescues and emergency personnel are typically divided into structured teams with a range of tasks and activities performed. Mines rescuers may be a volunteer or employed mine site or governmental staff. They are typically highly trained in the aspects of rescue in a mining environment and often participate in mines rescue competitions both nationally and globally. These competitions test rescue capabilities and rescue decision making across a range of scenarios

Following an unsuccessful rescue attempt, mines rescue may be responsible for body recovery or recovery of the mining operation which may include re-ventilation of an underground mine, control of a mine fire, drainage of water or other fluids underground, installing interim roof support (geological support). These activities are hazardous and only undertaken following careful planning.

AMSJ provides the latest stories, news and case studies on mines rescue and emergency management around the globe.

This section of the AMSJ site covers mining incidents, mining accidents, mine emergency management practices, rescue operations, mine recovery operations. Australasian Mine Safety Journal provides current information on rescues and emergencies. We provide detailed information on past events, mine fires, mine explosions, chemical related emergencies, first aid and medical management, emergency vehicles, emergency reporting systems, communications for emergency management. We also feature the latest products and services used for emergency management activities at mining sites around the globe.