Stewart, 34, has been a gas chromatographer for the past 2.5 years and beat off 14 other competitors to win the award, including David Caley from Rio Tinto’s Kestrel coal mine, who deserves an honourable mention for coming second given his total score was only 0.9% shy of first place.

The competition is open to underground mines using the Safety in Mines Testing and Research Station’s (Simtars’) Computer Assisted Mine Gas Analysis System (Camgas).

“The analysis of gas samples from underground coal mines is vital, as correct results are critical for accurate assessment of the status of the underground mine environment,” said Department of Mines and Energy safety and health executive director Stewart Bell.

“In an emergency situation many decisions, including those that affect life and limb, are based on information from the gas monitoring system.”

Participants in the competition must take both a theory and a practical exam and results give Simtars a good handle on the skill level of chromatographers in the industry.

The written test assesses system application, maintenance and troubleshooting skills while the practical test requires analysis of three gas samples prepared by Simtars.

The award is named after Peter Dent who was the director of Simtars when Camgas was first installed at Cook Colliery back in 1989.

“I congratulate Brent Stewart in winning the award, and in particular for his dedication to this important aspect of mine safety,” Bell said.