Mine Rescue Competition Heads to Adelaide

WHS News

Mine Rescue Competition Heads to Adelaide

Teams from across Australia and New Zealand will put their rescue skills to the test this October in the South Australian Mines Emergency Response Competition (SAMERC), held in metropolitan Adelaide for the first time.

A record 12 teams will compete at the Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) Training Centre at Angle Park from 21–23 October, during National Safe Work Month. The teams will face a series of realistic, high-pressure emergency scenarios designed to test the skills and knowledge required to respond to mine site incidents.

The annual competition has grown significantly since it was first held in 2010, expanding from just three teams to a record field in 2026. Adding to this year’s milestones is the inclusion of the first all-female team to compete in the event: Victoria’s ISH24 Women’s Mutual Aid Team.Teams from South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and New Zealand will compete in scenarios including:

• Surface rescue
• Road crash rescue
• Industrial rescue
• Vertical rescue
• Confined space rescue
• Mass casualty response
• Firefighting
• Breathing apparatus search and rescue
• Team skills challenge

A separate theory competition will also be conducted.The SAMERC event provides participating teams with realistic, scenario-based exercises that help build and strengthen mine emergency response capabilities while promoting collaboration and the sharing of knowledge across the resources sector. It is also open to the public, offering a rare opportunity to see mine rescue teams in action up close.The competing teams are:

• BHP Olympic Dam (SA)
• BHP Carrapateena (SA)
• BHP Prominent Hill (SA)
• SIMEC Whyalla (SA)
• Hillgrove Resources, Kanmantoo Copper (SA)
• OceanaGold (New Zealand)
• ISH24 Women’s Mutual Aid Team (VIC)
• Agnico Eagle, Fosterville Gold Mine (VIC)
• Aurelia Metals (VIC)
• Metals Acquisition Limited, CSA Mine (NSW)
• Newmont, Cadia Operations (NSW)
• Victory Metals, Ballarat Gold Mine (VIC)

SAMERC is a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers and supported by industry sponsors committed to improving emergency preparedness and mine safety.SAMERC Chairman Les Allen said promoting the event to an interstate audience in Victoria earlier this year had helped attract new teams to the South Australian event.“Our committee is getting out there and more people are wanting to participate,” he said.

“It is certainly becoming one of the leading competitions of its kind in Australia.”Mr Allen said the venue in Adelaide’s western suburbs, which is also a training centre for firefighters, provides an ideal setting for rescue scenarios.“Being in the city also makes it perfect for people wanting to come along, including the mining families of the participants,” he said.

“They don’t get to see what their loved ones do very often and this gives them the chance.”SafeWork SA is a Premium Sponsor of the 2026 event alongside BHP Copper SA, Blackwoods, Byrnecut, Enaex, Fire and Safety Australia, ISH24 Safety & Rescue, Orica, and Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions.

SafeWork SA Executive Director Glenn Farrell said: “While every effort is made to prevent incidents from occurring, it is essential that mine rescue and emergency response teams are prepared to respond effectively when emergencies arise.

“SAMERC provides a valuable opportunity for teams to test their skills in realistic scenarios, learn from one another and share best practice from across the mining and resources sector.“It is particularly encouraging to see record participation this year, including the first all-female team, reflecting the industry’s ongoing commitment to building capability, strengthening safety culture and supporting greater diversity within emergency response roles.”

The competition provides a unique opportunity for teams to train in realistic emergency situations, share best practice and showcase the high standard of emergency response capability that exists across the mining industry. Teams will compete for the coveted SAMERC Perpetual Trophy, along with individual event awards and recognition for outstanding leadership and teamwork.

For more information about the South Australian Mines Emergency Response Competition, visit www.samerc.com.au.