The mine rescue team from Hudbay Flin Flon took home top prize in their final appearance at the Manitoba Mine Rescue Competiton in Thompson May 27-28.
Hudbay plans to close its 777 mine for good later this summer but the mine rescue team will have the right to represent the province at the biannual National Western Region Mine Rescue Competiton in Fernie, B.C. in September 2023.
The team representing host Vale Manitoba Operations finished second overall in the first mine rescue competition in the province since 2019.
“It was our honour to host the event this year,” said Stacy Kennedy of Vale, who is also the co-chair of the Mining Association of Manitoba mine rescue organization, which puts on the event. “These competitions are a vital part to keeping our personnel safe and a valuable opportunity for teams to learn from one another.”
Hudbay Snow Lake won the firefighting award at the competition, while Vale won the first aid and written exam awards.
Bernard Fourie of Hudbay Snow Lake was the winner of the technician’s award, presented to the technician who demonstrates the highest level of proficiency in preparing the BG4 breathing apparatus for use in emergency situations.
The competitors, who also included a team from Tantalum Mining in Lac du Bonnet, completed underground and first aid mine rescue missions and the written exam on May 27, then tackled the firefighting and technician’s events on the second day, along with other practical skills competitions including tug of war, target practice and retrieval.
“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, the other co-chair of the mine rescue organization. “Without mine rescue teams that meet stringent standards and training requirements, underground mines can not operate.”
The 2023 Manitoba Mine Rescue Competition, which will mark the 60th anniversary of the event, is being hosted by Hudbay’s Snow Lake operations.
