Guy Barnett,Minister for Resources
The best of Tasmania's mine rescue expertise will be on display at tomorrow's 33rd Tasmanian Minerals Emergency Response Competition.
Established to share knowledge and skills, the competition is held annually at various mine locations throughout the state.
This year's event will see over 50 competitors compete to test and demonstrate their skills in various emergency response scenarios including search and rescue, firefighting, first aid, confined space rescue, rope rescue and teamwork skills.
Companies represented include Bell Bay Aluminium, Cornwall Coal, Grange Resources, Henty Gold Mine and MMG Rosebery.
While legislation has been developed to address the critical components of safe mining to avoid incidents and accidents occurring, there will always be a need to respond to an emergency in a mining or minerals processing environment.
The planning, preparation and practising of procedures by emergency response teams is still essential.
Generally volunteers, these emergency response teams are the people who will be relied upon if the worst should happen. I thank each and every one for their commitment and service.
Congratulations to the Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council for its work in supporting this important initiative, Mr Ben Maynard, Chair of the Tasmanian Minerals Emergency Response Committee and Cement Australia for hosting this year's event.
