New emergency rescue equipment for coal mines
August 9, 2022
A sophisticated new piece of emergency rescue equipment has been commissioned for use across Queensland coal mines.
Specifically tailored to assist with underground rescues, the Shaft Rescue System (SRS) is a first-of-its kind mobile, truck-mounted emergency system designed to assist in underground rescues.
A $2.3 million funding commitment from Anglo American has enabled the Queensland Miners Rescue Service (QMRS) to purchase the SRS.
“The SRS lowers interchangeable cages into mine shafts to rescue trapped miners and is equipped with a world’s first intrinsically safe directional Wi-Fi communications system that can be used safely underground,” QMRS chief executive officer David Carey said.
“The Wi-Fi enables radio communications from the rescue cages to the surface, captures and shares real-time video and sends data from a gas-monitoring system.
“This equipment will make a meaningful difference to our emergency response capabilities in Queensland and will be housed at our Dysart headquarters in the heart of the Bowen Basin, so it’s close by if ever required.”
Head of safety and health at Anglo American’s steelmaking coal business Marc Kirsten said the company was pleased to support QMRS in delivering the SRS for all those who work underground in the mining industry in Queensland.
“QMRS supports our industry with leading edge emergency response capability and support, and we are pleased to have been able to support them in turn, by providing this vital and potentially life-saving equipment,” Kirsten said.
“The Shaft Rescue System will improve emergency response capabilities across all underground mines in the Queensland mining industry, and it was important to us to make this investment in industry safety.”
Anglo American operates five steelmaking coal mines in the Bowen Basin, and has additional joint venture interests in steelmaking coal and manganese, as well as copper exploration projects underway in Queensland and Western Australia.
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