Winnipeg – Divide and Conquer – Making the Impossible, Possible is the theme of this year’s Provincial Mine Rescue Competition, an event in its 6th decade, taking place May 23 and 24 at the T3 Mine in Thompson. The Mining Association of Manitoba (MAMI) and Vale Base Metals are hosting this year, which will see the best-of-the-best in mine rescue face off to help maintain high safety and training standards in the industry.
Teams from Hudbay Minerals, Tantalum Mining and Vale will compete in a variety of mock scenarios including an underground rescue as well as first aid challenges and firefighting and written exams testing their skills as well as expertise. The judges for the underground portion of the event are Jamie Mortson and Craig Kulbaba, both Manitoba Independent Mine Rescue Instructors.
“Every year I am amazed by the dedication and critical skills displayed by all of our mine rescue teams,” said Stacy Kennedy, Mine Rescue Committee Co-chair and MAMI President. “They push themselves in training scenarios, knowing that in a worst-case scenario, we can depend on them to keep people safe.”
For the third year in a row the competition will also feature a “Mutual Aid” team which is made-up of members from each of the mines. The teammates only have a day or two to connect, but in the last two years the group has proven that their skills and experience are up to the task, taking second and first place respectively.
“The competition is designed to test teams knowledge and skills in regard to the best Mine Rescue practices, as well as working together to learn from one-another. It is also an opportunity to showcase these same skills to the public and reinforce the critical role these teams play, ” added Chad Vinkle, Mine Rescue Committee Co-chair
For more information or sponsorship opportunities contact Deanna Johnson, Mine Rescue Coordinator: djohnson@miningmanitoba.org or call 204.989.1890