Thompson, Manitoba – In their final season of operation, Hudbay Flin Flon rose to the challenge to win the 59th Manitoba Provincial Mine Rescue Competition held May 27 and 28th, 2022 and hosted by Vale Manitoba Operations. This was the first competition held in Manitoba since May 2019 due to the pandemic.
Congratulations to Team Hudbay Flin Flon members Captain George Warman, #2 position Steve MacArthur, #3 position Rob Johnson, #4 position Rick Paziuk, Vice-Captain and Technician Dustin Patterson, Director of Operations Darren Lyhkun, Spare Joel Chupik, Coach Trevor Thurstan and Instructors Tracy Knutson and Marshall Manns were presented their trophies on Saturday, May 28th, 2022 at the Awards Banquet. Team Vale Manitoba Operations finished in second place.
Standing: Gary Annett, Stacy Kennedy, Tracy Knutson, Dustin Patterson, George Warman, Rob Johnson, Trevor Thurstan, and Richard Trudeau. Kneeling: Joel Chupik, Rian Bayless, Steve MacArthur, Darren Lyhkun and Marshall Manns. Photo by Chris Sundevic.
“It was our honour to host this event this year.” said Stacy Kennedy, Co-Chair, Mine Rescue Organization, “These competitions are a vital part to keeping our personnel safe and a valuable opportunity for teams to learn from one another.”
Other Awards presented were the Firefighting award won by Hudbay Snow Lake, First Aid and the Written Exam awards were won by Vale Manitoba Operations.
The Technician’s award went to Bernard Fourie Technician for the Hudbay Snow Lake team. This is awarded to the technician that demonstrates the highest level of proficiency in preparing the BG 4 breathing apparatus for use in emergency situations.
Stacy Kennedy, Bernard Fourie and Richard Trudeau. Photo by Chris Sundevic.
This two-day annual event challenges competitors in several areas. Day one saw teams from Hudbay Flin Flon, Hudbay Snow Lake, Tantalum Mining and Vale compete in an underground and first aid mine rescue mission and tackle the written exam. The morning of day two focused on Firefighting tests and the Technician’s competition, with the afternoon being spent on practical skills competitions including the Perfect Square, Tug of War, Target Practice, Levitt Fire andRetrieval.
“We are proud of how the Manitoba Mining industry continues to move forward with ongoing improvement regarding emergency preparedness, crisis management and risk prevention.” said Richard Trudeau, Co-Chair Mine Rescue Organization, “Without mine rescue teams that meet stringent standards and training requirements, underground mines cannot operate.”