SAFETY: Mine rescue competition kicks off in Sudbury

SUDBURY, ON – The 10^th International Mines Rescue Competition kicked off in the heart of northern Ontario mining country Sunday night. Twenty-seven teams from 13 countries will be completing in the biennial event. This is the first IMRC to be held in Canada, and the first in North America since 2008. Over 300 mine rescue specialists are expected to showcase their skills and stamina. They are registered from Australia, China, Colombia, India, Ireland, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Turkey, Ukraine, United States, Vietnam, Goldcorp Americas, Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. From Aug. 23 to 25, teams will compete in different events around the city, including an underground simulated emergency scenario, firefighting, high angle rope rescue, and more. Competition sites include Vale 114 orebody, Dynamic Earth, NORCAT, the R.S. Lipic Demonstration and Training Facility, and Cambrian College. Among those welcoming the teams was federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour MaryAnn Mihychuk. She said, “Mine safety has come a long way in many countries, and now we are reaching for the goal of zero harm, zero lost time accidents. If there’s an industry that can reach that high level of achievement, I’m confident it is the mineral industry … Events like this week’s competition help to raise safety standards all over the world.” The competition will wrap-up on Aug. 26 with closing ceremonies and the naming of the world’s best mine rescue team. Learn more at www.IMRC2016.ca.