The 10th biannual
National Western Regional Mine Rescue Competition (NRMRC) saw national and local teams not only take home the winning trophies, but also shine as heroes in the search for a local boy, as the event was hosted in Fernie on September 9th and 10th.
Teck’s Elkview mining operation rescue team won the overall surface competition.

Brielle Will photo

As well as bringing home the top surface award, Sparwood’s Elkview team also won the smoke search task and the written exam, with Greenhills placing first in the fire task.
“We are very proud of all of what our local and regional teams have done to prepare for the events,” said Fernie Mayor Cindy
Corrigan.
“And we are honoured we have been able to host this event since its inception in 1992.”
Yellowknife, N.W.T. mine rescue team Diavik won the overall underground competition on the first day of the mine rescue tasks.
The event had each team take part in eight mine rescue activities, including smoke, fire, extrication, rope, practical skills, bench problems to test the team technician of his efficiency, a first aid test, and a written exam.
The weekend was a busy one for all teams who took part, particularly for Regina’s mine rescue team Mosaic Potash Belle Plaine, and Baker Lake, Nunavut’s Agnico, both of whom helped with the search and rescue for then missing Sparwood toddler, Kienen Hebert.
Following the two-day event was an awards banquet, which had nearly 600 attendees, including district mayors from throughout the Elk Valley and a speech from Mayor Corrigan.