Yellowknife, NT (June 9, 2016) – The Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut invites Northerners to witness the challenges mine rescue teams encounter, as they strive for excellence during the 59th Annual Mine Rescue Competition.
The annual event takes place on Friday, June 10, and Saturday, June 11. The WSCC invites the public to take-in the action on Saturday, June 11, at the Yellowknife Multiplex/Fieldhouse Parking Lot from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The competition coincides with the NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines’ Miner’s Picnic from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Mines from the Northwest Territories and Nunavut will compete for the Overall Surface and Overall Underground Trophies. Six teams from five mines are participating this year: Diavik Diamond Mine – Rio Tinto; Ekati Diamond Mine – Dominion Diamond Corporation; Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine – De Beers Canada Inc.; Hope Bay Gold Mine – TMAC Resources Inc.; and Meadowbank Gold Mine – Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.
Mine rescue competitions allow mines to evaluate and compare the effectiveness and quality of their mine rescue training programs. Teams participate in the spirit of competition and collaboration to understand how other teams work, while testing their own mine rescue skills.
Skill competitions include Written Test, Fire Fighting, Surface Practical Bench, Underground Bench, Underground Obstacle, Smoke (Surface & Underground), Rope Rescue, First Aid, and Surface Rescue. Judges evaluate each event, which range from safety equipment checks to simulated disasters.
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Kim Walker
Manager, Communications
T: 867-920-3846
TF: 1-800-661-0792 ext. 3846