Members of the public are invited to watch teams of emergency responders tackling realistic crisis scenarios at the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA (CME) 2026 Surface Mine Emergency Rescue Competition (SMERC) in Kalgoorlie on May 2 and 3.
Hosted by Northern Star Resources’ Hannan’s North Tourist Mine, 16 teams drawn from operations across WA will put their emergency response skills to the test in a high-pressure environment designed to ensure they are ready to act if real-life disaster strikes.
Boasting the most teams since 2006, SMERC 2026 is also the first time the competition has been open to the public since 2022.
Dedicated viewing zones at Hannan’s North Tourist Mine on both May 2 and 3 will allow spectators to observe the teams as they compete in multiple disciplines including firefighting, vehicle extraction, rope rescue, first aid and team skills.
The museum at the popular Kalgoorlie tourist attraction will also remain open, providing visitors an opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of both Hannan’s North itself – which dates back to 1893 – as well as the broader Goldfields industry.
CME Mines Rescue Committee Chair Daniel Goss said opening the competition to the public provided a rare opportunity to witness firsthand the training and coordination needed to respond to emergencies on a mine site.
“These teams are highly skilled and operate in high-pressure environments where clear thinking and teamwork are essential,” Mr Goss said.
“Competitions like SMERC ensure those capabilities are continually tested and refined, so that if an incident does occur, the response is immediate and effective.
“It’s also an opportunity to showcase the strong safety culture that underpins Western Australia’s resources sector and the people who are committed to maintaining it every day.”
Established in 1901, SMERC is one of the longest-running safety competitions in the industry and plays a critical role strengthening emergency preparedness across surface mining operations.
Many of the participating teams also assist local community emergency services, particularly in remote areas where mining operations are located.
“Any large emergency on a mine site is often going to be more than that site alone can contend with and it’s going to be your neighbours and other companies in the region that are going to come to your aid,” Mr Goss said.
“In addition, because of their remote locations, some of our mine emergency rescue teams are often called upon to respond to public incidents like road crashes.
“At the end of the day, this is about making sure every worker goes home safely. By continually training, testing and learning from one another, these teams are ensuring they are ready for whatever challenges may arise.”
Special two-day visitors passes will be available to attend both days of SMERC at Hannan’s North Tourist Mine, costing $34 for adults, $28.90 for concession card holders, $25.50 for students, $17 for children aged 4-15 and $91.80 for a family pass.
Single day passes are also available costing $20 for adults, $17 for concession card holders, $15 for students, $10 for children aged 4-15 and $54 for a family pass.
Participating teams:
- Anglo Gold Ashanti – Sunrise Dam
- Anglo Gold Ashanti – Tropicana
- Curtin University WA School of Mines Wolves MRT
- Evolution Mining – Mungari Gold Operations
- FMR Investments
- Focus Minerals
- Genesis Minerals
- Gold Fields – Combined
- Gold Fields – Gruyere
- Mineral Resources Limited
- Northern Star Resources – KCGM
- Northern Star Resources – Kalgoorlie Operations
- Northern Star Resources – Thunderbox
- Rio Tinto
- Westgold Resources – Northern Operations
- Westgold Resources – Southern Operations
Media contacts:
Josh Zimmerman j.zimmerman@cmewa.com / 0404 947 719
Natasha Mutch n.mutch@cmewa.com / 0435 383 382