MineARC Systems can confirm that the refuge chamber involved in the recent BHP Leinster underground nickel mine collapse was a MineARC Hard Rock Model, 8 Person Refuge Chamber.

An unforeseen seismic event caused the fall of ground which trapped BHP employee Mr Jason Rose approx 1000m underground. Fortunately, Leinster is equipped with a number of MineARC Systems hard rock refuge chambers at various locations throughout the mine - one of which was located just 100m from where the collapse occurred. Mr Rose sought refuge within the MineARC chamber for over 16hrs before being rescued by emergency crews and transferred back to the surface safe and well.

Mr Rose did exactly what he was trained to do. The refuge chamber performed its function perfectly by providing a safe and secure atmosphere for Mr Rose, whilst maintaining an ongoing comms link with the surface.

This is exactly the sort of incident for which refuge chambers are designed and serves as a pertinent reminder to the industry as to how the inherent risks associated should be managed. Were there no refuge chambers available to Mr Rose the resulting rescue attempt may not have been so successful.

MineARC would like to pay credit to BHP Leinster for their rescue efforts and for being one of the first mines in Australia to recognise the importance of underground refuge chambers. Leinster also maintains an excellent chamber servicing record.

For further coverage of the Leinster rock fall/refuge story, please see the following links:

http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,,25618829-2761,00.html

(http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/Newsletters/MiningDaily/PDFRedirect.as...)

http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuId=32&ContentID=147883

(MineARC Systems is not responsible for the accuracy of information, or the views/opinions expressed on these sites).