The first mines rescue brigade was formed on the Ipswich coal fields in 1909 with the first permanent mines rescue station being built there in 1923. As the mining industry expanded throughout the state, further brigades were formed and stations built at Collinsville, Blackwater, Moura and Dysart.

The state was separated into three divisions - Southern, Central & Northern; each with a separate management committee responsible for providing a rescue capability to the mines in its area.

Funding was provided on a one third share basis between the coal mining companies, the Department of Mines and the Queensland Workers Compensation Board (now Workcover Queensland).

In 1989 the three division system was combined into the Queensland Mines Rescue Brigade with the intent of standardising mines rescue equipment and procedures.

In 1996 the government announced its intention to withdraw mines rescue funding and on the 1st Jan 1998 existing legislation was repealed and Queensland Mines Rescue Service Ltd was formed.