Assessment of readiness of auxiliary mine rescue teams in coal mines

The efficiency of mine rescue operations largely depends on how quickly efforts to localize and mitigate an accident are initiated. Given the remoteness of some mining enterprises, a decision was made to form auxiliary mine rescue teams composed of miners. However, there is ongoing debate regarding the effectiveness of the rescue operations carried out by these auxiliary teams. This paper presents data on the assessment of the readiness of auxiliary mine rescue teams in Russian coal mines. A survey of professional mine rescuers was conducted across all units and platoons, focusing on key aspects of auxiliary team operations. The results, based on expert evaluations, revealed the main challenges in training auxiliary team members and highlighted areas for improving the regulatory and methodological framework for mine rescue tactics. The second part of the paper presents the results of control-tactical exercises held at seven mines. These unannounced exercises took place at the end of a work shift and evaluated a wide range of knowledge, skills, abilities, and physical fitness among the auxiliary teams. Key evaluations included the accuracy of task allocation, tactical training, preparation for mine descent, the use of rescue equipment, first aid skills, theoretical knowledge, and physical fitness.