Every year, the Province of British Columbia organizes a competition for mine safety and first aid teams from around the province to compete in realistic tasks designed to test their emergency response and rescue abilities. This competition brings together mine rescue teams from across the province to compete in several tasks designed to test their skills in first aid, extrication, fire fighting, rope work and general mine rescue knowledge. Teams compete in either surface, underground or first aid competitions.

Under the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in B.C., mines are required to provide emergency response capability which led the B.C. mining industry to be a model for the implementation of health and safety practices worldwide.The mining industry in B.C. is one of the safest heavy industries in the province and maintaining that record takes both skill and practice, as demonstrated by the 53rd annual Mine Rescue and First Aid competition.

The B.C. mining industry safety record reflects a dedication to safe mine practices by mine management, unions and workers as well as the influence of ministry staff through inspections, audits and training.

2009 Winners

54th Annual Provincial Mine Rescue & First Aid Competition
BC Museum of Mining, Britannia Beach- June 6, 2009

Three-Person Miners’ First Aid Competition

Highland Valley Copper, Teck         Three-Person Miners’ First Aid

Highland Valley Copper, Teck         Kathy Lofstrom Memorial 
(Best Coach for Three-Person First Aid)

Surface Mine Rescue

Highland Valley Copper, Teck         Maurice Boisse Memorial 
(Best Bench for Surface Team)

Greenhills Operations, Teck Coal   HVC Highest Non-Aggregate Points

Greenhills Operations, Teck Coal   Overall Surface Mine Rescue Trophy

Underground Mine Rescue

Chris Crawford, Quinsam Coal Corp.  USWA Mine-Mill Award  
(Best Underground Coordinator)

Quinsam Coal Corp.                              Sullivan Cup
(Best First Aid by Underground Team)

Quinsam Coal Corp.                              Barry Abbott Memorial
(Best Bench for Underground Team)

New Afton, Newgold Inc.                      Keith Bracewell Trophy
(Best Obstacle and Recovery)

Quinsam Coal Corp.                             Overall Underground Mine Rescue Trophy