The challenge is an annual competition that attracts competitors from mining and quarry companies all over Queensland.

Mines rescue teams are presented with various emergency scenarios and each team is judged on its proficiency at dealing with the situation.

The Gregory Crinum team placed in the top three in all disciplines, winning the Multi Casualty/Vertical Rescue event (combination team with Earnest Henry Mine), Road Accident Rescue and Search and Rescue, and placing third in Fire and Hazardous Chemicals and Confined Space and Fitness.

The team also picked up three other accolades with Travis Ryan awarded Best Medic, Wayne Barnes awarded Best Captain and the whole team awarded Best Technical Team.

The Gregory Crinum has consistently performed well at the Queensland Mines Rescue Challenge, placing second last year.

Team manager Steve Bullough said the rescue team was key to the continual quest to improve mine safety and helped maintain Gregory Crinum’s safety standards at a world-class level.

“The team trained hard to compete at this high standard and everyone at BMA is very proud of them and their commitment to safety,” he said.

The team was captained by Wayne Barnes (Crinum) and team members were Joel Saunders (Gregory), Travis Ryan (Crinum), Aaron Williamson (Gregory), Mike Walker (Crinum), Russell Bowyer (Crinum) and Rob Smithson (Gregory) with Jukka Heiskari (Gregory) as assistant manager.