Elk Valley Resources (EVR) mines had excellent showings at the 67th annual B.C Provincial Mine Rescue competition on June 6 and 7.
Line Creek mine achieved first place in the overall Surface Mine Rescue category and Fording River mine was awarded a trophy in the three-person first aid competition.
The event brought 16 teams from across the province together at Britannia Mine Museum near Squamish, to test their knowledge of emergency response skills. Mine rescue teams get specialized training to serve as the mine's fire department, paramedics and high angle rescue.
"We are very proud of all our mine rescue and first aid team members across our four operations and their strong showing at the B.C Provincial Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition is a testament to their dedication and skills," stated EVR CEO Mike Carrucan. "At EVR, safety is more than a priority — it's a core value. These results reflect the countless hours of training and the deep sense of responsibility our team members have to ensure everyone goes home safe, every day."
Line Creek captains Harley Marshall and Kyle Brennan, and coaches Patrick Sorensen and Shaun Kennedy, led teammates Jay Marshall, Kenan Ligertwood, Kyle Laboucane, JP Wallin and Coleen O'Neill through a challenging series of tasks that included firefighting, first aid and rope rescue. Alex Isaacs served as the emergency response coordinator.
Fording River captain Jared Willett and coaches Vaughn Willett and Danica Newham, guided teammates James Dixon and Chris Olsen as the clock ticked down.
An honourable mention was given to the three-person first aid team from Greenhills mine, who placed second overall in the three-person first aid, under guidance from team captain Jordan Halladay and coach Terry Halladay. On the team were Josh Prince, Kevin Edwards, Ethan Lukkar, and emergency response coordinator Dylan Gray.
The full list of winners in individual categories, is as follows:
Three person first aid
Best Written Score: Fording River
Best Coach: Vaughn Willet & Danica Newham, Fording River
Best three person team: Fording River
Surface mine rescue
Best extraction: Line Creek
Best written score: Line Creek
Best rope team task: Fording River
Best first aid: Line Creek
Best captain: Steve Kavanagh, Fording River
Highest points (non-aggregate): Line Creek
Overall surface mine rescue (highest aggregate points): Line Creek
