MMG Golden Grove wins best new mines rescue team

MMG Golden Grove’s Mines Rescue Team won Best New Team at the CME Eastern Regional Council 2010 Underground Mine Emergency Response Competition, held in Kalgoorlie at the weekend.

The Golden Grove team proved they are a force to be reckoned with finishing fifth overall on the day, and in addition to taking out the Best New Team category, they also won Best New Captain.

Golden Grove General Manager Nick Mosenthal said the team did an amazing job.

"It was the team’s first time in the competition, and I know they were anxious in the lead up, but their performance on the day did Golden Grove proud,” said Mr Mosenthal.

“Their high rankings demonstrate we have a top class mines rescue team who are committed to, and very capable of, improving the safety culture at Golden Grove.”

Teams in the competition are tasked with realistic scenarios to evaluate their knowledge and skills in fire fighting, first aid, vehicle extrication, hazardous chemicals, rope rescue, confined space rescue, team skills and theory.

Golden Grove Captain, Nick Sutherland, who won best overall theory on the day, said the team had a great time.

“In the lead competition we had a one-week intense training period, and while we were tired after the weekend’s event, it was certainly worth it,” said Mr Sutherland.

“It really tested and improved our skills as a team, brought the team closer together and showed that we are up to the standard required to for a WA mines rescue team.”

The competition is supported but the WA Chamber of Minerals and Energy to improve the capability of emergency response teams and demonstrate the mining industry’s desire to improve its safety culture.