BERNIC LAKE, Manitoba – Team Manitoba took top honours, followed by Team Hudbay in the 61st Manitoba Provincial Mine Rescue Competition held May 24-25, 2024, hosted by Tanco Mine and the Manitoba Mining Association of Manitoba Inc. (MAMI).
More than 24 elite mine rescue personnel went head-to-head to determine the best in the province. Congratulations to Team Manitoba members, Captain Sylvain Amyotte (Tanco), Jacob Vancoughnet (Hudbay), Dean Rainville (Hudbay), Bridget Corriveau (Vale), Vice-Captain Frank Bushby (Vale) and Director of Operations Len Bellin (Tanco).
In taking first place, Team Manitoba’s accomplishments are impressive, considering the members were only assembled just prior to the competition. The results are a true testament to the quality of training for the benefit of mutual aid between mines.
MAMI President and Mine Rescue Competition Co-chair Stacy Kennedy saluted all the teams, “The competition showcases the dedication, intense training and preparedness of the men and women in our industry and the quality of our program here in Manitoba.” She added, “I’d match our Mine Rescue event and our teams against anyone in the world.”
Mine Rescue is the process where trained personnel, wearing protective breathing apparatus enter a mine during or after a mine fire, explosion, or other disaster to rescue trapped workers, extinguish a fire and restore the mine to its original safe condition. Mine rescue team members are “First In Last Out”, the theme of this year’s event.
Over two days, competitors are challenged in several areas including a mock underground rescue and first aid incident, firefighting, a written exam, and tactical skills. As well, the event tests the skills and training members have learned and compares them to other mine teams and showcases the quality and consistency of Manitoba’s training program.
Team Hudbay underground demo
Other awards winners include:
- Firefighting – Team Hudbay
- First Aid – Team Tanco
- Written Exam – Team Tanco
- Technicians Award – Sean McKenzie (Vale)
- Practical Mine Rescue Skills Event – Blue Team
Richard Trudeau, MAMI Vice President and Mine Rescue Coordinator Co-chair, had this to say, “I am never surprised by the skills of the men and women who play such a critical role in our industry.” Trudeau, who is retiring after more than 37 years in mining, emphasized “The commitment of our teams is humbling, and I am very proud to have been involved in the program all these years.”
Judges for the underground scenario were Neil Spencer of Spencer Consulting and Training and Jamie Mortson of Alex MacIntyre & Associates Ltd. Each are highly experienced, certified independent Manitoba mine rescue instructors.
Next year’s event is slated for May 23 & 24, 2025 in Thompson, MB, hosted by Vale – Manitoba Operations.
For further information contact:
Deanna Johnson, MAMI Mine Rescue Coordinator
dJohnson@miningmanitoba.org
O: 204-989-1890. M: 204-226-9463