Singareni team wins Zambia mine rescue title
HYDERABAD: The The Singareni Collieries Company Limited rescue team won the first prize in the underground rescue category at the International Mines Rescue Competition held in Zambia, marking a major achievement for the coal mining company after nearly two decades.
The competition was conducted from April 30 to May 5 in Zambia, with rescue teams from several countries participating. Indian teams from Coal India, Singareni and other companies took part alongside teams from China, Colombia, Canada, Australia, Poland and Zambia.
Underground rescue challenge tests firefighting, rescue skills
Organisers conducted competitions in multiple categories and announced first, second and third prizes for the best-performing teams. In the underground mines rescue event, marks were awarded for firefighting, rescue operations and technical assistance.
The Singareni team secured the highest score among participating companies and won the first prize in the underground rescue division.
A 90-minute technician test was first conducted at the Mopani Central Training Centre in Mufulira town. Singareni team member Sai Krishna completed the test in 52 minutes by rectifying defects in a carbon dioxide absorbent canister and refilling it within the stipulated process time.
Team rescues trapped miners in simulated underground emergency
Another competition involved locating and rescuing two persons trapped in an underground mine located 700 metres below the surface at the West Portal Mine. Although two hours were allotted for the exercise, the Singareni team completed the task in 52 minutes.
As part of the challenge, the team installed an L-bend for the pump, disconnected power supply at the substation and traced the missing workers using the mine plan provided by organisers.
One victim was found unconscious near an LHD machine and was revived by the rescue personnel. Another injured worker was shifted safely to the surface through a full rescue operation from a depth of 700 metres. A two-member judges’ panel monitored the exercise.
The Singareni rescue team drew praise for completing all tasks with discipline, alertness and efficiency in less than the allotted time.
CMD congratulates Singareni rescue team
Singareni Chairman and Managing Director Buddaprakash Jyoti congratulated the rescue personnel for winning the international-level award in the underground mines rescue category. He also congratulated the Western Coalfields Limited rescue team of Coal India for securing prizes in the competition.
Special training was provided to the Singareni team at the Ramagundam Mines Rescue Station under the supervision of Singareni Rescue General Manager Srinivas Reddy.
The Singareni team included G Pramod Kumar, B Nithin Kumar, N Bhanu Prasad, A Shyam Kumar, R Srikanth, CH Sai Krishna and translator G Rajender Reddy.
In a first for India, Singareni doctor Rajeshwar was invited by international organisers to serve as a judge in the first aid category of the competition.
Singareni employees and officials have been congratulating the rescue team on various social media platforms following the international achievement.
