Close on its heels was the Chinese team, Zibo Mining Group, the dark horse of the two-day competition, which entailed firefighting, conducting first aid and battling coal mine explosions.

Hosted by Coal Services Australia, the competition featured 16 teams representing India, China, the USA, Poland, Russia, Ukraine and Australia which battled it out under gruelling conditions to test their skills in a unique competition format.

Assessments included an underground exercise at NRE No. 1 Colliery, Russell Vale, and virtual reality exercises at the Mines Rescue Station, Woonona.

The winners were announced at a presentation dinner held in Wollongong on Friday evening and the Appin Colliery team was thrilled with the results.

“This is the first time that we’ve ever competed in an international mines rescue competition and we couldn’t be prouder,” team captain Mark Hockey said.

“Everyone put in an outstanding amount of effort and it has truly paid off. We were competing against an exceptional group of international mines rescue teams who have years of experience and we are so humbled to have received this honour.”

Coal Services Australia chairman Ron Land said he was delighted with the overall execution of the competition.

“Appin Colliery and Zibo Mining Group put in a solid performance over the past two days and they truly deserve international acclaim for their outstanding mines rescue skills,” he said.

“Coal Services Australia has been overwhelmingly impressed by each of the teams’ professionalism, focus and eagerness to succeed throughout the competition. While there can only be one winner, all teams should feel proud of their achievements.”

Land also took the opportunity to reflect on how the international competition would impact the global mines rescue community.

“Coal Services Australia has been proud to host such an amazing competition where mines rescue teams have had the opportunity to come together and share innovative ideas, learn from each other, and unite in our common cause to improve mines rescue techniques and emergency response outcomes the world over,” he said.