MineARC has confirmed that the successful recent rescue of all 28 trapped miners at Newmont’s Waihi gold mine in New Zealand involved both MineARC and Shairzal refuge chambers. MineARC acquired the Shairzal brand, product range and client base in February 2010.

MineARC General Manager Mike Lincoln comments: “Based on everything we’ve seen, it appears Waihi management and emergency rescue teams delivered a textbook run of a well thought out and well executed emergency response plan (ERP), of which refuge chambers clearly form a vital component. MineARC commends Waihi for their commitment to emergency response preparedness and training, with emergency crews conducting regular safety drills. MineARC is satisfied, pending site evaluation, that our chambers performed as required; maintaining a secure environment for the miners, safe from exposure to fire, smoke, CO and CO₂.”

The company continued in its statement: “The Waihi fire incident again highlights the importance of adhering to all sections listed under the Australian refuge chamber guideline for hard rock mines considered as world’s ‘best practice’ particularly the provision of both CO and CO₂ scrubbing in refuge chambers – both prevalent in fire situations.” Full details and a copy of the guideline are available from the MineARC website, www.minearc.com.au