Simtars principal scientific advisor Darren Brady said the North Goonyella mine won the competition run by Simtars which tested the skills and knowledge of the gas chromatograph (GC) operators.

“Gas chromatographs are used to provide a complete analysis of the gases in an underground coal mine,” he said.

“It is an annual statewide competition and the 50 or so mine GC operators had to complete a written exam that tested understanding of theory, and perform an analysis of samples provided by Simtars.”

Both theory and practical calculations are analysed and the winner is the mine participant with the highest combined ranking.

“It is not an easy award to win and there is prestige in claiming the title,” Brady said.

“We have seen some fierce rivalry between operators at the same mine to claim the title of GC operator of the year.”

Brady said the analysis of gas samples from underground coal mines was a very important job, as correct results were critical for accurate assessment of the status of the underground environment.

“In an emergency situation, many decisions, including those that affect the safety of those underground or attempting an underground rescue, are based on the results from GC analysis,” he said.

“This competition enables us to assess the knowledge and skills of the participants and identify any areas that may require refresher training.”

The award is named after Peter Dent, who first joined the department in 1988 as the inaugural director of the safety research group Simtars (Safety in Mines Testing and Research Station).

After 17 years with the department, Dent, then the Health and Safety executive director, retired in 2005. He was instrumental in improving mine safety in Queensland and was the director of Simtars when it first established the Camgas mine gas analysis system across the state.

This is the first year the award has been known as the Peter Dent Simtars Gas Chromatography Award and the first time Dent has presented the trophy to the winner.