Mine Rescue competitions both within Australia and Internationally provide a great forum for sharing skills and industry-leading operating procedures, not to mention valuable networking opportunities for all those involved.
In comparison to metal mines, the need for a coal mine refuge chamber has long been debated. Coal mines have significant quantities of fuel that can burn for days, so perhaps the rescue and evacuation strategies should be different.
Guidelines for refuge chambers are present in South Africa. However, they are vague and lack vital standards for adequate life support systems.
