Eight teams competed at event hosted by Ontario Mine Rescue
Lake Shore Gold Timmins West-Bell Creek Mines emerged as the champions at the annual provincial mine rescue competition hosted by Ontario Mine Rescue. It took place from June 13 to 16 at the Canadian Gypsum Company (CGC) Hagersville Mine and the winners were revealed during an awards ceremony held in Hamilton on the final evening.
Ted Hanley, vice-president for Ontario Mine Rescue celebrated the champions.
"We're very proud to announce that Lake Shore Gold Timmins West-Bell Creek Mines came out on top. This invitation-only event marks the final stage of an intensive two-month training and evaluation period for mine rescue teams in Ontario. The provincial competition brings together teams representing eight mining districts to a single host mine and challenges them to resolve an advanced mock mine emergency."
Throughout the week, the eight district champion teams from across Ontario underwent evaluation on essential mine rescue work. This assessment involved testing their technical knowledge through written exams, as well as various technical skills. The teams faced challenges such as high-angle rope rescue, emergency management, advanced mine rescue breathing apparatus, firefighting, and first aid response. The underground mock emergency scenario demanded physical exertion and the ability to make crucial decisions under stress.
Unlike the District Competitions held in spectator-friendly hockey arenas featuring simulated mine workings on the arena floor, the provincial competition sent teams into an operating underground mine.
"Spectators viewed the progress and work performed by teams via camera feed to the surface. Each team navigates the mine and attempts to overcome a variety of mine hazards using their knowledge, skills, and abilities, evacuating the workers trapped underground and restoring the mine to safe working conditions. Skills are tested in as realistic a scenario as possible to help ensure they are prepared for future mine emergencies," explains Hanley.
Technical expert judges, concealed throughout the mine, evaluated the teams based on a pre-determined set of criteria derived from the policies and procedures outlined in the provincial mine rescue guidelines.
This year's scenario encompassed the rescue of a civilian who had fallen into a mine shaft opening, the assessment of unstable and collapsed mine workings using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), the extinguishment of an underground vehicle fire, and the extrication and evacuation of a mine worker trapped in a mine collapse.
"Ontario Mine Rescue is proud to report that all eight highly skilled participating teams successfully resolved the emergency," says Hanley. "Each team is evaluated on their ability to create a safe and effective emergency action plan, and on the speed and skill level with which they complete the rescue."
The annual provincial competition not only serves as a test of expertise but also provides an opportunity for mine rescue teams to enhance their preparedness for potential mine emergencies. Congratulations to Lake Shore Gold Timmins West-Bell Creek Mines and all the participating teams for their dedication and exemplary performance in this rigorous event.
