Xstrata captures top prize at mine rescue competition

Xstrata Nickel’s Fraser/Thayer Lindsley mine rescue team may not have superhuman powers but their quick thinking and teamwork helped them snap up the coveted gold helmets at Ontario’s 58th annual mine rescue competition.

The competition was held in Onaping, near Sudbury, Ont., at the Northern Centre for Advanced Technology (NORCAT) training site in June.

Among the top honours, the Xstrata (XSRAF-O, XTA-L) subsidiary also captured first place in team fire-fighting and team first aid.

“This is a clear demonstration of the quality of our mine rescue program and the commitment of all employees to ensuring the health and safety of our workers,” said Mike Romaniuk, vice-president of Sudbury operations for Xstrata Nickel, in a press release.

This is the fifth time in 12 years a team from Xstrata’s Sudbury operations has won the top provincial title.

Teams from six different districts across Ontario went head-to-head in the challenges, where they were graded on everything from their use of field testing gear to briefing officers’ skills in communicating with their team members.

Several other teams received awards. Vale Inco’s East Mines gained second place in the overall team competition. Compass Minerals’ Sifto salt mine tied with Hemlo Mines for first place in the special equipment category. Norm Begin of Hemlo Mines snagged his third consecutive Technician Award. Derrick Parsons of Vale Inco East Mines, came in second and Richard Gilbert of FNX Mining came in third.

In the tournament, eight-person teams simulate responses to a crisis situation. In addition to providing local mines with a healthy dose of friendly competition, the event also ensures consistent training and use of emergency response training across the province.

The mine rescue program, which turned 79 this year, is administered in Ontario by the Mines and Aggregates Safety and Health Association (MASHA).