More than 30 emergency responders from Northern Star Resources, Gold Fields, Ramelius Resources and Westgold Resources put their lifesaving skills on show in eight realistic scenarios at the 11th annual Mining Emergency Response Competition (MERC).

Northern Star Resources and the Gold Industry Group (GIG) were proud sponsors again of the free event at Langley Park Perth, from 26 to 28 November 2021, attracting hundreds of local spectators to witness the action and participate in the fun free activities on offer. The event theme, diversity and inclusion, was celebrated by the first ever all-female team from Gold Fields.

Children and families fossicked for ‘gold’ at the GIG booth to win a show bag, while visitors also shared their self-care strategies to go in a draw to win a LIVIN hamper, GIG’s mental health charity partner.

Now in its 11th year, MERC has grown to not only support the mining industry, but to bring the wider community together to raise awareness of the importance of safe work environments, and to recognise the selfless work that emergency responders carry out daily.

The three-day competition saw 14 mine rescue teams battled it out in a range of simulated real-life emergencies while being judged by professional adjudicators and officials. The scenarios were as real as you can get, and included firefighting, first aid, hazardous materials, rescue from heights, confined space rescue, emergency response team readiness, hazardous materials, road crash rescue and a new Covid-19 related scenario – biohazard response.

After the gruelling emergency challenges in hot conditions, the Northern Star Resources’ Jundee team took home the highly respected Team Spirit Award, while the top honour went to the Synergy Muja Power-station team, announced at a glittering gala awards dinner on Sunday evening at the Crown Perth.

MERC also presented its chosen charity partner - the Blue Tree Project - with a cheque for $54,095 at the gala dinner. The funds were raised both in the lead-up to the competition, and donated over the MERC weekend. The funds will support the Blue Tree Project’s 2022 road trip, aiming to promote awareness around mental health in regional schools.

Congratulations to the winners and all of the teams who competed in 2021!

For those who are interested in becoming an Emergency Responder in Australia’s gold industry, visit our Gold Jobs website to find out more.