Sask. mining skills competition showcases elite rescue teams

Dozens of teams and hundreds of rescuers gathered at Prairieland Park for the mining skills competition, an event that brings together some of the best-trained rescuers who specialize in mine rescues.

Dozens of teams and hundreds of rescuers gathered at Prairieland Park for the mining skills competition, an event that brings together some of the best-trained rescuers who specialize in mine rescues.

This annual competition offers a safe environment for these teams to hone their skills and put them to the test against other organizations across Saskatchewan.

Kevin Kingdon, the event organizer, explained the significance of the competition.

"Our event basically brings those teams together, and it's a way for the mining companies to demonstrate the training and skill that goes into their emergency response teams. It's an opportunity for the miners to demonstrate those skills, bring them all together, and take away a lot of learning from the event that we set up for them," said Kingdon.

The event was divided into above-ground and below-ground teams. One of Mosaic's underground teams focused on techniques for putting out fires.

Justine Fuchs from K3 Mosaic Underground described their challenge.

"We did an underground problem, which is basically a mine mock situation where we go down and clear the mine, and other trapped workers down there, and we complete what we can in a 70-minute problem," said Fuchs.