The state-of-the-art software program teaches miners emergency response and safety procedures, including unaided self-rescue from a smoke-filled mine.

 

The Newcastle Mines Rescue Station, a purpose-built virtual reality mine safety training facility, was developed on behalf of Coal Services, which is jointly owned by the NSW Minerals Council and the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union.

 

NSWMC chief executive Dr Nikki Williams said the training centre shows the benefits of an “all of industry” approach and commitment to mine safety.

 

“This is a superb example of companies working together with unions and the research community to ensure that we achieve our primary objective – namely the safe return of every miner from every shift,” Williams said.

 

“The NSW minerals industry is committed to an industry free of fatalities, injuries and diseases. This facility, worth more than $1.7 million and 100 percent financed by employers, is an example of that commitment.

 

“In terms of safety, the mining industry has improved its reputation from having a poor industrial safety record to now having the best mining safety record in the world – by a long way.”