Our Mine Emergency Response Teams (MERTs) are the dedicated individuals working behind the scenes. They are our employees who volunteer to respond to emergencies both on and off-site and are often the first to assess a critical situation, lead response efforts and ensure everyone’s safety. Always prepared and trained for every scenario — from mine rescues to medical emergencies and natural disasters — our MERTs rise to every challenge.
Saving lives: Why Mine Emergency Response Teams are essential
In emergencies, early, skilled intervention can mean the difference between a controlled event and a major incident. At OceanaGold, we prioritize preparedness to ensure not only the continuity of our operations but to support our commitment to zero harm — a responsibility rooted in our values of Care, Integrity and Respect.
Our MERT members require a diverse and highly specialized skill set, including advanced first aid and emergency medical services training, technical rescue capabilities, hazardous materials awareness and response, to name a few.
Brandon Crotts, Senior Coordinator – Emergency Response at our Haile Gold Mine in South Carolina, USA, explains that our commitment to emergency preparedness reflects OceanaGold’s people-first approach.
“Our responders are miners, engineers, mechanics, and technicians who voluntarily take on the responsibility of protecting others. They train relentlessly, respond selflessly, and embody the spirit of teamwork and service. Investing in MERTs is investing in our culture of Care — and that’s something each of our operations can be proud of,” he said.
Each of our operations is equipped with an on-site MERT. What sets us apart is our commitment to building fully capable, in-house emergency response teams that are not only reactive but proactive — focused on prevention, continuous training, and preparedness to protect our people and operations at every level.
“We embed emergency response into our safety culture — treating MERT not as a compliance checkbox, but as a strategic investment in people, preparedness, and resilience. Our multidisciplinary teams often exceed legal minimums in scope, training, and operational readiness, with many members qualified to respond both on-site and in the wider community,” said Julie Ruttley, Head of Health & Safety at OceanaGold.
Ready to respond: Ongoing training and development
Our teams are continuously honing their expertise on specialized equipment and via scenario-based drills and simulations. For example, our Haile MERT completes certification-based training aligned with international standards such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Our teams also actively participate in mine rescue competitions and community support initiatives to showcase their commitment and expertise.
We proudly partner with local emergency services through mutual aid agreements, contributing to regional disaster response efforts and training efforts. Whether it’s floods, typhoons, or other emergencies, our team is ready to provide tangible assistance when the community needs it most.