The 2023 South Australian Mines Emergency Response Competition (SAMERC) has been held in Whyalla, where more than 5,000 spectators gathered to watch seven teams go head to head.
Traditionally located at outback mine sites, the 2023 SAMERC was showcased in a city setting for the first time in its 14-year history, giving the public a chance to watch the action.
The Whyalla-based SIMEC Mining iron ore operation won the hosting rights to the event and put on a show that was widely commended among participants and spectators.
Spectators flocked to the foreshore, marina, jetty and CFS yard to see the teams compete for honours in the prestigious event, held from 13-15 October.
The BHP Carrrapateena outfit was the outstanding team of the weekend winning five of the 13 categories and narrowly claiming the overall trophy, just ahead of hometown favourites SIMEC Mining.
It was the Carrapateena team’s first year competing under the BHP banner after Australia’s biggest company finalised the purchase of Oz Minerals earlier in 2023.
The SIMEC Mining emergency response team also performed impressively, picking up four awards to finish second overall.
SafeWork South Australia was a premium sponsor along with Byrnecut Australia, Fire and Safety Australia, South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy, Raisebore Australia, Iluka Mining and Whyalla City Council.
The teams competed in challenges designed to test their skills and knowledge in the event they are called on to respond to a mine emergency.
2024’s competition will be held at Roxby Downs with hosts, BHP Olympic Dam, already declaring it will learn from Whyalla’s success and include more community involvement and spectator opportunities.
The full list of winners:
Theory – SIMEC Mining
Fire Fighting – SIMEC Mining
First Aid – BHP Carrapateena
Confined Space Rescue – BHP Carrapateena
Vertical (ropes) Rescue – BHP Carrapateena
Industrial Rescue – Hillgrove Resources Kanmantoo
Road Crash Rescue – BHP Carrapateena
Surface Rescue – BHP Carrapateena
Team Skills – SIMEC Mining
BA Search and Rescue – SIMEC Mining
Best Captain – Cadia Valley Operations
Chairman’s Award – BHP Prominent Hill
Featured image: A team in action at SAMERC. Image credit: SafeWork South Australia.
