THOMPSON, Manitoba – Team Vale took first place, followed by the Manitoba Mutual Aid Team in the 62nd Manitoba Provincial Mine Rescue Competition held May 23-24, hosted by Vale Base Metals and the Manitoba Mining Association of Manitoba Inc. (MAMI).
In its 6th decade of testing the skills and expertise of rescue teams, more than 30 elite mine rescue personnel went head-to-head to determine the best in the province. Congratulations Vale; Captain Marc Scadden, Rick Stabback, Tyler Davis, Derek Ceppetelli, Jeff Katchmar, Sarah Nicholson and Technician Rob Chuipka
MAMI President and Mine Rescue Competition Co-chair Stacy Kennedy congratulated all the teams, “I am extremely proud of each and every one of the team members for 2025.” She added, “This is my fifth year as co-chair, and I see the commitment and dedication of the teams, which are showcased in a very specialized field that is so critical to our industry, and their strength and teamwork continues to level up each and every year.”
Mine Rescue is a specialized field where trained personnel, wearing self-contained breathing apparatus enter a mine during or after a mine fire, explosion, or other incident to rescue trapped workers, extinguish a fire and restore the mine to its original safe condition.
Over two days, competitors were challenged in several areas including a mock underground rescue and first aid incident, firefighting, a written exam, and practical skills. As well, the event tests the skills and training members have learned and compares them with other mine teams, showcasing the quality and consistency of Manitoba’s training program.
Other awards winners include:
- Firefighting – Vale Base Metals Manitoba Operations
- First Aid – Vale Base Metals Manitoba Operation
- Written Exam – Vale Base Metals Manitoba Operation
- Technicians Award – Bernard Fourie, Hudbay Minerals
- Practical Mine Rescue Skills Event – Yellow Team: Marc Scadden – Vale; Ryan Karklin – Tanco; Ashton Leif – Hudbay Minerals; Heather Stone – Tanco; Derek Ceppetelli – Vale; and Greg Bellin – Tanco.
Chad Vinkle, MAMI board member and the new Mine Rescue Committee Co-chair shared his thoughts, “The entire competition was amazing, with the efforts of all the teams top-notch.” He added, “I look forward to seeing what future years will bring.”
Judges for the underground scenario were Jamie Mortson and Craig Kulbaba, both Manitoba Independent Mine Rescue Instructors.
Next year’s event is slated for May 22 &, 23, 2026 in Snow Lake MB, hosted by Hudbay Minerals.
For more information contact MAMI Mine Rescue Coordinator Deanna Johnson. djohnson@miningmanitoba.org / 204-989-1890