The Aussie team finished ahead of nine other teams in the competition, which featured 12 teams competing from 10 countries including the USA (2 Teams), Russia, Peru, China, Poland (2 Teams), Ukraine (2 Teams), Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Poland were able to use the home ground advantage to full benefit, earning first place at the competition, held for the first time out of the United States in Glogow, Poland.

North Goonyella mine manager Ian McDonell spoke to team captain Geoff Nugent briefly after the team placed third. “They were exceptionally pleased about coming third but were a little disappointed that a couple of small things didn’t go right for them which cost them a higher place.

“Comment was made from an observer that our (Australian) team was clearly superior in technique and captaincy than anyone else on the day,” he said.

The North Goonyella team was made up of Geoff Nugent (captain), Peter Purdie (vice captain), James Ticehurst, Andy Neville, Kim Taiepa, Mark D'Elboux and Steve Kell. The team earned their title as Australian champions upon winning the prestigious Australian Underground Coal Mines Rescue Competition at Appin Colliery, Wollongong, during October last year.

Australia placed sixth in the main event - a simulated underground mines rescue exercise including mapping, gas management, ventilation problems, first aid and fire fighting.

In the first aid competition - where three team members confronted with three scenarios - Australia narrowly missed out on gold to take second.

Team specialist Steve Kell performed well in the Breathing Apparatus Mechanics competition where competitors must test and locate set faults in a self-contained breathing apparatus and repair these faults in a given time.

The international competition focused on problem solving skills and tests, whereas Australian competitions centre on pure mines rescue technique. “The international competition is a very different approach than what we do but our team found they adapted to it quite well and it was a very valuable learning experience.”

McDonell said the Australian team was able to interact extensively with other teams with the help of a translator. Team members also visited a number of Polish mines adding to the international learning experience.

A more detailed report of the competition experience will be available on International Longwall News upon the team’s return.