The annual competition allows workers to develop and hone their emergency response skills in a high-pressure environment. 

Teams were challenged to deal with scenarios including underground search and rescue, fire-fighting, life support and first aid, and theory exercises. 

The teams contesting the challenge this year were Moorlarben, Airly, Clarence and Springvale, which had two teams. 

This was the first time Moorlarben had been represented, while Airly had not competed since 2012. Current champions Clarence were determined to hold their title and go on to represent NSW at the Australian competition to be held in Narrabri in October. 

Virtual reality was used to allow team members to act our dangerous scenarios in a safe environment.

Using a computer program, challengers worked as a team to solve problems and face dangerous situations. 

"It's like Call Of Duty, it allows you to look around, traverse through the mine and work to solve problems,” Coal Services team developer Ken Clemson said.  

Using a bag of tricks including gas detectors, oxygen monitors, glow sticks and tools, the challengers find their way through the mine and address the danger (in this case, a broken seal letting toxic gas).

It was a competitive atmosphere, with every team fighting for points for their final score. 

“Competition always drives improvement,” Mines Rescue regional manager Brian Kelly said. 

“There is prestige in a win and representing the region at the Australian competition is a real honour. It means a lot to participants.”

Thankfully, emergencies in mines are not as frequent as they once were and Mr Kelly said these kind of exercises were important in testing skills to make sure people were ready to deal with real-life situations. 

All the of the challenges are designed to be as life-like as possible. 

The winner of the challenge would be announced at a dinner on Friday night, September 1. 

The dinner also recognised the work of some of the Mine Rescue’s most dedicated brigadesmen, some of whom had dedicated more than 25 years to mine safety. 

“People tend to look at brigadesmen as leaders, not only in their work environment, in emergencies, but in the community as well,” Mr Kelly said.