By Mary Giuliano

Mining is still the backbone of the economy for the Elk Valley, the province and the country as a whole and this sentiment was noted as the recent National Western Region Mine Rescue Competition had 18 teams that came from as far as Ontario, Wyoming USA, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and B.C.

Although organized and greatly supported by the City of Fernie this event is the largest of this kind in the country and needs outside support and despite the present economic downturn donations came in. And for this, as chair of the organizing committee, on behalf of our committee and the City of Fernie I want to extend sincere gratitude to the many people and organizations that came through for us with backing in so many ways. I wish I could name each one individually instead I must stress that without these sponsors we couldn’t have organized the successful event that resulted.

The awards banquet is the culmination of the event as this is the time when teams discover who has won the various tasks competition and it’s always an exciting time.

As Mayor it was my privilege to extend a warm welcome to everyone present and to acknowledge each team individually. Underground teams were from: B.C. – New Gold; from Saskatchewan – Mosaic Esterhazy and Mosaic Colonsay; From Manitoba Hudbay Minerals; from North West Territories Diavik- Ekati and Snap Lake Diamond Mine; From Ontario- Alamos Gold.

Surface Teams were: From the USA – North Antelope, Rochelle, Solvay Gillette, Wyoming; from B.C., Elkview Coal and Highland Valley Copper; from Alberta, Albian Sands Shell and Cardinal River Teck; from Saskatchewan Westmoreland Coal, Poplar River and Mosaic Belle Plain; from the Yukon Minto Mine, Capstone and from the North West Territories   Ekati Mine, Dominion Diamonds.

Competitors spend a great deal of time in training and education. Teams attending have already won their respective regional competition. These individuals and their spouses and families need to be thanked for the constant contribution they give to the workplace, to the community and to mine rescue. They truly are to be congratulated and thanked.

For full results go HERE.

Lead image: Elkview Coal Overall Surface winners.

Photos courtesy Mary Giuliano

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