With a shared commitment to safety and continuous improvement, Manitoba’s top mine rescue teams will gather at Hudbay Minerals’ Lalor Mine, near Snow Lake, on May 8 and 9 for the 63rd annual Manitoba Provincial Mine Rescue Competition (MPMRC), united under the theme of “Not Stopping Until We Get to the Bottom.”
Teams from host Hudbay, along with Tantalum Mining and Vale will take part in a series of rigorous events designed to test expertise, endurance and teamwork. This includes a simulated underground rescue, first aid challenges and firefighting, plus written exams – all reinforcing the industry’s dedication to uncovering risks and resolving them.
The underground rescue competition will be judged by Jamie Mortson and Neil Spenser, both experienced Manitoba independent mine rescue instructors.
“As this year’s host, we are proud to welcome Manitoba’s top rescue teams to our Lalor Mine,” said John O’Shaughnessy, Hudbay Vice-President, Manitoba Business Unit. “While our daily focus is always on preventing incidents, our safety culture is backed by the rigorous, life-saving training of teams like these. This competition is vital because it pushes responders from across the province to their limits in a realistic environment, ensuring our collective emergency readiness so that when called upon, our teams can handle whatever they face.”
The competition will also field a “Mutual Aid” team, now in its fourth year, comprised of members from each operation. With only two days to train together, the team embodies the event’s theme—working collaboratively and relentlessly to solve complex challenges. Their strong track record, including multiple first and second-place finishes, highlights the depth of mine rescue expertise in Manitoba.
“Safety and the well-being of our staff are our highest priorities,” said Stacy Kennedy, MAMI President and MPMRC co-chair. “This competition reflects our commitment to not stopping until we get to the bottom of every challenge, while showcasing the exceptional skill and dedication of our teams.”
Public events in Snow Lake include the firefighting competition at the New Britannia parking lot at 8:00 AM and the practical skills competition at the Gordon T. Lipton Arena at 1:00 PM.
For more information call 204.989.1890