Fifteen mine rescue and first aid teams from mines across the province battled it at the historic Britannia Mine Museum last weekend, competing in the 66th annual BC Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition.
Every year, mine rescue competitions evaluate mine rescuers on essential emergency response skills, from firefighting to first aid, through live-action scenarios and a written test. This year’s simulated challenges included responding to a fire in a mine, in-water rescue from Howe Sound, safe recovery of people from a severe car crash and scaling 15 feet to rescue an injured person.
Well done to all competitors, volunteers and supporters who turned up in force on the shores of Howe Sound. The 2024 competition saw mine rescue teams from as far as Dease Lake compete neck and neck.
Every participant and team deserves recognition for their performance, with special mention to the overall category winners:
Underground Mine Rescue: Newmont Corporation, Red Chris mine
Surface Mine Rescue: Hudbay Minerals Inc., Copper Mountain mine
Three-person First Aid Team: Hudbay Minerals Inc., Copper Mountain mine
“Congratulations to all teams who competed this year. Once again, I am blown away by the skill level and aptitude of the mine rescue teams in BC. Every major mine must have a mine rescue team responsible for emergency response. Safety is the top priority for BC’s mining operations and this past weekend demonstrated this,” said Hermanus Henning, Chief Inspector of Mines, BC Government.
“Mine rescuers truly are the heart and soul of BC’s mining industry. The teams demonstrated not only their exceptional mine rescue and first aid skills but also their dedication and passion for what they do. Well done to everyone who took part in this year’s competition!” Michael Goehring, President & CEO, Mining Association of BC.
The annual competition, which started in 1958, is organized by the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation (EMLI) and the Mining Association of BC (MABC).
