Tasmanian mining crews have tested their rescue skills in a competition held more than a kilometre underground.

Mt Lyell Mine has hosted the 30th annual Tasmanian Minerals Emergency Response Competition, which pits six emergency response teams from mining companies against each other in simulated emergencies.

The team competed in a range of emergency scenarios including rope rescue, fire-fighting and underground search and rescue.

Tasmanian Minerals Emergency Response Committee chairman Ben Maynard said the search and rescue element was conducted 1,100 metres underground.

“Our annual competition provides teams with an excellent learning opportunity, and a practical way to test their skills in a simulated emergency situation, with a strong focus on safety,” he said.

“The competition also allows a chance for us to test our effectiveness.”

Copper Mines of Tasmania spokesperson Peter Walker said the competition could also teach teams to work together if necessary.

“Each mine and smelter site in the state has their own emergency response teams, and there is a mutual-aid agreement between these operations that ensures additional skilled assistance and support can be called upon in the event of an extended emergency,” he said.

The overall winner was a team from Grange Resources, while a crew from Cornwall Coal took out overall safety winner.