Our Didipio Mine Emergency Response Team (MERT) responds not only to on-site emergencies but also assists local communities and the region when needed. They also provide emergency preparedness training to community stakeholders.

Recently in June 2025, our team joined the coordinated rescue efforts to assist trapped small-scale miners in a tunnel located in the province of Nueva Vizcaya (an area near our Didipio Mine). Working alongside the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) Quezon, as well as emergency response teams from other mining companies, our Didipio MERT contributed critical support to the mission.

Their presence reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting community safety, emergency preparedness, and collaboration in times of need.

Our Didipio MERT supported rescue efforts with essential rescue equipment, and helped lay out ventilation fans and hoses to ensure the area was well-ventilated.

Last year, our dedicated members also tackled the 11 km Rescue March Challenge in full gear, mastering challenging terrain and weather while carrying a loaded rescue stretcher for a simulation.

Earlier in 2025, our New Zealand Mines Rescue and Emergency Response teams raced 1,103 steps, 328 metres and 51 flights of stairs up the Auckland Sky Tower while wearing 25 kg of gear to raise money for leukaemia and blood cancer research. Together, the teams raised more than NZD $98,000, with the event itself raising over $2M in total. Waihi recorded the second fastest time of all the teams taking part, with Macraes third fastest.

In October 2024, the combined teams also won 1st place in the Fire Fighting category and achieved 3rd place overall in the 2024 South Australian Mines Emergency Response Competition. They competed for the first time across 10 scenarios designed to test their skills and knowledge of a mine emergency.

Our Haile Gold Mine MERT gained national recognition for their heroic actions last year. While travelling to the MSHA National Mine Rescue competition in Kentucky in August 2024, they assisted a family in a severe interstate accident, providing critical first aid and support until help arrived.