A case study of the training practices of the Mine Rescue Team at Golden Grove, Western Australia. Golden Grove background Golden Grove, 500 km north of Perth, is a complex and challenging operation...
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.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE A recently released research paper on the impact of mining injuries will assist mine site first responders and paramedics to be more prepared for emergency events. Professor...
A former Candian Mine manager has developed a robotic search and rescue vehicle that reportedly can operate in mining environments under a range of emergency scenarios. Dr. Greg Baiden heads up...
A video has emerged of the Springvale mine surrounded by a bushfire on nearby Gospers Mountain. While the Springvale coal mine closed last week due to the risk of fire and smoke, the company said its...
The unique aeromedical skills and expertise of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) when retrieving patients with life threatening injuries was showcased at the 2019 Mining Emergency Response...
With the range of bushfires burning across Australia at the moment, miners are advised to consider the potential effects of smoke in underground mine ventilation given its ability to mask a range of...
Western Areas Ltd has suspended its’ activities following a bushfire affecting the Forrestania Nickel Operation. Western Areas confirmed that all personnel remain safe and fully accounted for...
Australian refuge chamber manufacturer, Minearc has developed a new mines rescue vehicle for underground environments. The MineSAFE Rescue Vehicle design makes it a mobile refuge chamber for...
The evacuation of Anglo American’s Grasstree underground coal mine yesterday has highlighted potential disconnects between mine response plans (TARPS) and their implementation at some...
A haul truck has burned on a ramp from at a NSW mine. The NSW Resources Regulator reported that about 2 am while driving an empty haul truck down a ramp, a driver had to shut down the truck due to a...
The Victorian mining regulator has placed mines on notice over fire safety during the upcoming summer period. Earth Resources Regulation is warning coal mine operators to ensure they are meeting...
Another plant fire has destroyed a haul truck at an open cut coal mine. Plant and equipment fires at mines across Australia is a concerning trend with a regulator urging mining maintainers to...