Traditionally located at outback mine sites, this year’s SAMERC was showcased in a city setting for the first time in its 14-year history, giving the public a chance to watch the action.

The Whyalla-based SIMEC Mining iron ore operation won the hosting rights to the 13-15 October event and put on a show that was widely commended among participants and spectators.

Spectators flocked to the foreshore, marina, jetty and CFS yard to see seven teams compete for honours in the prestigious event.

The BHP Carrrapateena outfit was the outstanding team of the weekend winning five of the 13 categories and narrowly claiming the overall trophy, just ahead of hometown favourites SIMEC Mining.

It was the Carrapateena team’s first year competing under the BHP banner after Australia’s biggest company finalised the purchase of Oz Minerals earlier this year.

The SIMEC Mining emergency response team also performed magnificently, picking up four awards to finish second overall.

SafeWork SA was a premium sponsor along with Byrnecut Australia, Fire and Safety Australia, South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy, Raisebore Australia, Iluka Mining and Whyalla City Council.

Seven teams competed in challenges designed to test their skills and knowledge in the event they are called on to respond to a mine emergency.

Next year’s competition will be held at Roxby Downs with hosts BHP Olympic Dam already declaring it will learn from Whyalla’s success and include more community involvement and spectator opportunities.

The full list of winners:

• Theory – SIMEC Mining
• Fire Fighting – SIMEC Mining
• First Aid – BHP Carrapateena
• Confined Space Rescue – BHP Carrapateena
• Vertical (ropes) Rescue – BHP Carrapateena
• Industrial Rescue – Hillgrove Resources Kanmantoo
• Road Crash Rescue – BHP Carrapateena
• Surface Rescue – BHP Carrapateena
• Team Skills – SIMEC Mining
• BA Search and Rescue – SIMEC Mining
• Best Captain – Cadia Valley Operations
• Chairman’s Award – BHP Prominent Hill