Special Features - Mine Rescue 2013

11th Biennial National Western Regional

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September 6th- Underground Competition @ Fernie Memorial Arena September 7th- Surface Competition @ Max Turyk School Site

SERIOUSLY VE! COMPETITI We take pride in our service to you

Visit our office in downtown Fernie for all your travel arrangements Phone 250-423-6916 • www.mountainhightravel.com

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11th Biennial National Western Regional Mine Rescue Competition

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, September 5, 2013

Welcome to the 11th Biennial National Western Regional Mine Rescue Competition

O

n behalf of the City of Fernie council and staff I want to extend a warm welcome to all competitors, judges,

and support people

to the National Western

Region Mine Rescue Competition Eleventh Biennial.

Mine Rescue training and competition has been a part of this Valley since 1910 and has had a tremendous impact on our community and the families that live here.

A tremendous amount of time goes into training

PARTICIPATING TEAMS

11th Biennial National Western Region Mine Rescue Competition SURFACE 2013 BC

Teck Highland Valley Copper Teck Coal Mountain Operations

Logan Lake Sparwood

Alta

Syncrude Canada Ltd. Team 502 Shell Albian Sands

Fort McMurray Fort McMurray

Sask

Cameco Key Lake Mosaic Potash Belle Plaine

Saskatoon Regina

NWT

Dominion Diamond Ekati

Yellowknife

USA

Rawhide Peabody Powder River Thunder Basin Coal

Gillette, Wyoming Gillette, Wyoming

before competitions and without the cooperation of individual team members and the support of

UNDERGROUND 2013

family the teams wouldn’t be as successful as they are.

Fernie is proud to host once again the Provincial and Territorial Surface and

BC

Nystar Myra Falls New Gold New Afton

Campbell River Kamloops

Underground Mine Rescue winners from Western Canada, Yukon and Northwest

Alta

Grande Cache Coal

Grande Cache

Sask

Cameco McArthur River Mosaic Potash Colonsay

Saskatoon Colonsay

Man

Hudbay Flin Flon #1 Hudbay Flin Flon #2

Flin Flon Flin Flon

NWT

Diavik Diamond Mines Dominion Diamond Ekati

Yellowknife Yellowknife

Territories/Nunavut as well as the winning surface and underground teams from the Northwestern United States.

Good Luck to all Competitors. And to everyone, I hope you enjoy your stay in Fernie and make time to check out some of our unique shops and restaurants.

Mary Giuliano Mayor

Good luck to all the competitors at the 11th Biennial National Western Regional Mine Rescue Competition.

Welcome to Fernie!

Ph: 250-423-6817 Email: cityhall@fernie.ca Website: www.fernie.ca 501-3rd Avenue, Fernie

11th Biennial National Western Regional Mine Rescue Competition

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, September 5, 2013

Safety Is At Our Core Good luck to the Coal Mountain Operations surface mine rescue team in the 2013 Western Regional Mine Rescue competition.

2013 Coal Mountain Surface Mine Rescue – Six Person Team

Captain: Scott Cook Vice Captain: Scott Shatalow Team: Ryan Gallinger, Craig Wood, Shawn Erick, Josh Gallinger – first aid Coach: Jon Gale

Congratulations to the 2013 Coal Mountain Operations’ surface mine rescue team for becoming the first Coal Mountain team to reach the Western Regional Mine Rescue competition.

At Teck, our goal is everyone going home safe and healthy every day, and we are proud of the skill and commitment of our mine rescue teams.

We encourage everyone in the Elk Valley to visit the Western Regional Mine Rescue competition to find out more about mine rescue and to support our local team from Coal Mountain Operations.

Friday, September 6 Underground Competition at Fernie Memorial Arena 991 6th Avenue, Fernie 6:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Saturday, September 7 Surface Competition at Max Turyk Centre, 44 Mt Washburn Street, Fernie 6:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Watch the best underground mine rescue teams in Western Canada and the United States demonstrating their skill.

Watch the best surface mine rescue teams in Western Canada and the United States demonstrating their skill.

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11th Biennial National Western Regional Mine Rescue Competition

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, September 5, 2013

The Ghostrider

A ghostly shadow stands over the city of Fernie…do you believe in curses?

I

t is said that William Fernie on one of his prospecting trips noticed an Indian Chief’s daughter wearing a necklace of shining black stones.

Knowing that these stones were coal, he asked about their source. The

Chief agreed to show Fernie the location of the coal on the condition that he would marry the daughter. After learning the location of the coal deposits, Fernie backed out of the deal. Angered by this the Chief cast a curse on the valley—it would suffer from fire, flood and famine.

The legend of the curse has been around for a long time [From District Ledger, 9/12/1908] “We have been requested to say that William Fernie denies the little after dinner stunt about him and the Indian maiden. We are glad Mr. Fernie does deny it for the future safety of our city.” Just to be sure on August 15, 1964, at the City’s request, members of the Ktunaxa Nation, headed by Chief Ambrose Gravelle, assembled in

Fernie for the ceremonial lifting of the Fernie Curse. Mayor James White made amends by smoking the “Pipe of Peace”.

The roots of the Ghostrider legend may be in the Ktunaxa tradition of avoiding the Elk Valley and considering it a “bad place”. Early Ktunaxa legends told of a squirrel and his wife who controlled the pass, letting trails become overgrown and impassable.

Finding the Ghostrider Look upriver (north) in the Elk River valley from anywhere in Fernie offering a clear upriver view. There, in the distance, you can see Mt. Hosmer and, on the mountain’s fractured face, the Ghostrider. Look for the shadow from late May until the end of September. Optimum viewing time: 6PM to 9PM.

to all our area teams from the staff and management at

Shaw Enterprises Ltd. SPARWOOD DIVISION

Proudly Supplying Our Local Area Mines

11th Biennial National Western Regional Mine Rescue Competition

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, September 5, 2013

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General Schedule of Events:

the competitions will be held over three days: Thursday, September 5, 2013 • Fernie Community Centre - 901 – 6th Avenue / Highway #3 • Fernie Curling Club – 961 Hwy #3 • Underground Coaches and Captain’s Meeting • Surface Coaches and Captain’s Meeting

5:00pm 5:00pm

• All Judges and Guides (if at all possible) will be available for a meeting & briefing

5:00pm

• Fernie Community Centre Registration and a Casual Social

Friday, September 6, 2013

5:00 – 8:00pm

Underground Mine Rescue tasks conducted 7:00am – 3:30pm

• Fernie Memorial Arena – 991- 6th Avenue / Hwy #3

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Surface Mine Rescue Tasks conducted 7:00am – 4:30pm

• Max Turyk School Site – 44 Mt. Washburn Street

Saturday, September 7, 2013 • Max Turyk School Site – 44 Mt. Washburn Street • Fernie Memorial Arena – 991- 6th Avenue / Hwy #3

Underground Technician Competition Banquet/Presentations 6:00 – 11:00pm

Good luck to all the teams competing at the Mine Rescue Competition...

All photos submitted by Patick Spohr

The Coal of the Wild.

Mayor McKerracher, Council and the District of Elkford Staff would like to congratulate all participants of the 11th Biennial National Western Region Mine Rescue Competition!

Good luck!

672 2 Ave, Fernie 250-423-6615 www.givershirts.com

with a special shout out to Elk Valley’s own Teck Coal Mountain Operations Surface Team!

We think Santa’s coal stash for all those who have been naughty comes from the Elk Valley.

www.elkford.ca

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11th Biennial National Western Regional Mine Rescue Competition

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, September 5, 2013

Previous competition winners

A warm welcome from the Fernie Chamber of Commerce and business community

W

elcome from Fernie, B.C., location of the 2013 Western Regional Mine Rescue Competition which is taking place in our beautiful Rocky Mountain City. Located in the southeast corner of British Columbia in the Rocky Mountains, Fernie enjoys a small town atmosphere with approximately 5,000 residents that nearly triples in size from seasonal increases.

Our summer recreational activities include an 18-hole championship golf course, endless hiking and mountain biking opportunities, as well as white water rafting, kayaking, and world-class fly-fishing. The Elk River, which winds its way through Fernie, is a proven hot spot for fishing; teaming with cutthroat, rainbow, Dolly Varden and whitefish species.

Kokanee salmon and bass are also prevalent in the surrounding area.

Fernie Alpine Resort offers incredible hiking and mountain biking and is also well known for its incredible powder ski conditions in the winter. Other popular winter activities include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, cat skiing and many more. Fernie also has a unique Heritage component. Many of our downtown buildings reflect this heritage, as they are brick and stone structures, constructed after the turn of the century. Our colourful history has many legends, curses, and stories of fires and floods.

We are extremely proud of our city and the dazzling scenery surrounding it! We are also honoured to welcome all of the Mine Rescue Competition participants to our doorstep.

Fernie is pleased to host this event that so vividly showcases our heritage in the mining industry. We also recognize the hard work and dedication of those involved in emergency response and mine rescue, and support the promotion of safety and awareness in the mining industry and the Elk Valley region.

While you are in the area, be sure to take some time for a leisurely stroll along Fernie’s historical downtown, or on one of the many trail systems that meander in and around the city. During your stay in Fernie, plan to visit some of our unique businesses and fine restaurants. Most importantly, enjoy your stay in Fernie and come back and visit us some time soon.

For more information on what to see and do while you’re in Fernie, please stop by the Downtown Visitor Centre located at the Fernie Museum at 2nd Ave. and 4th St. or the Highway 3 location.

Best Wishes and Good Luck to all participants in this year’s Mine Rescue Competition.

Sarah Parry Fernie Chamber of Commerce

1993

1995

1997

1999

2001

2003

2005

2007

2009

2011

Surface Overall Winners

Underground Overall Winners

Syncrude Canada,

Echo Bay Mines,

Alberta

Obed Mountain Coal Limited,

Cominco Sullivan Mine,

Saskatchewan

IMC Kalium Canada Limited,

Eskay Creek Mine,

Saskatchewan

Team 402 Syncrude Canada Limited,

Cominco Polaris Mine,

Alberta

Highland Valley Copper,

Boliden Westmin Mine,

British Columbia

North West Territories

British Columbia

British Columbia

North West Territories

British Columbia

Highland Valley Copper,

Miramar Con/Giant Mines Ltd.,

British Columbia

North West Territories

Highland Valley Copper,

NVI Myra Falls Operations,

British Columbia

British Columbia

Fording River Operations,

Mosaic Colonsay Potash Mine,

Saskatchewan

British Columbia

Highland Valley Copper,

Diavik Diamond Mines Inc,

British Columbia

North West Territories

Teck Coal - Elkview Operations,

Diavik Diamond Mines Inc.

British Columbia

North WestTerritories

Direct Service Helping you achieve the highest levels of productivity.

Proud to sponsor the National Western regional Mine rescue competition.

Welcome and good luck to all competitors!

Sparwood, BC | Canada

Joy Global, Joy, P&H, and related logos are trademarks of Joy Global Inc. or one of its affiliates. © 2013 Joy Global Inc. or one of its affiliates. All rights reserved.

joyglobal.com

11th Biennial National Western Regional Mine Rescue Competition

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, September 5, 2013

The staff at New Gold would like to wish our New Afton Mine Rescue Team all the best in the 2013 National Western Regional Mine Rescue Competition We are proud of the hard work and dedication displayed by our members of the emergency response teams. At New Gold, we understand the importance of working safely and strive to offer continuous safety improvements on our sites.

We are committed to contributing to sustainable development wherever we operate by acting ethically and with integrity, by working safely, and taking responsibility for the impacts of our decisions and actions on communities and the environment. We consistently apply this approach through the mine life cycle from early exploration, development operation, to decommissioning and mine closure.

Our sustainability reports, policies and initiatives can be found at

www.newgold.com

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11th Biennial National Western Regional Mine Rescue Competition

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Description of Competition Tasks Rope Task

This activity requires the mine rescue team members to test their skills at rigging, rope handling and problem solving. Six team members will be required to participate in this activity. Two team members should come wearing full fall arrest harness and all team members should be wearing the required personal protective equipment for a field task.

Fire Task

Firefighting task will utilize props and actual fires to test the competencies of the mine rescue teams. The fires will be set at a level which will require the use of fire-proof coveralls and possibly full turn-out gear.

First Aid Task

Smoke Task

This is a field problem and it features a series of activities designed to test the team’s competencies to function in limited visibility conditions. This task is performed in simulated low visibility conditions. The team members will be wearing self-contained Breathing Apparatus (BA), while conducting this task or series of activities.

This task is a combination from four other tasks (Rope, Smoke, Practical Skills and Extrication) Teams will be required to display their competencies when responding to an accident scene, treat casualties and manage the situation. This task utilizes Standard St. John Ambulance and Red Cross protocols.

Written Exam

Donning Bench and Mine Problem

The written exam tests the team’s and the spare’s general knowledge with regards to emergency preparedness and response, equipment, principles and procedures.

Only six team member’s scores will count unless the spare is designated as a replacement for one of the regular team members for this task.

Skills Task

Practical skills also known as the Practical Bench is a task or series of tasks designed to test general competencies regarding mine rescue procedures or equipment. During the Practical Skills competencies, the entire team plus the spare may be involved. The Practical skills test may include rope work, knots, gas detection, extrication, filter-style self rescuers, equipment maintenance or any number of tasks associated with emergency preparedness and response as covered in the Mine Rescue Manuals.

Welcome all to the 11th annual Mine Rescue Competition.

Good luck to all the participants.

From Pierre, Kristine, and the staff at Timmies in Fernie.

This task mirrors what a team would do to rescue trapped or injured miners at a real mine. After getting the call the team will go to the donning bench to test their breathing apparatus to ensure it works. While they do this the coordinator will gather all the available data so that the team may be properly briefed. After the briefing the team will advance into the mine taking care of any gas, smoke, falls of ground or water problems that may occur as they work towards rescuing the miners and securing the mine.

The Bench Technician Task

When a team goes into harm’s way the last thing they need is to be wearing a faulty C.C.B.A (Closed Circuit Breathing Apparatus). While all mine rescue teams have knowledge of their breathing apparatus it requires the services of a highly skilled and knowledgeable person to maintain it at 100 per cent efficiency. This task tests the technicians’ ability to trouble shoot and assemble the units so that they are fit for service.

All photos submitted by Patrick Spohr

United Steelworkers Local 7884 is proud of all the Mine Rescue Competitors and wishes them luck during the competitions.

All Mine Rescue Teams are given our utmost respect and appreciation for all the hard work, and sometimes emotional work, they do for us. They are a vital asset to have on the mine site and for that they are greatly appreciated.

11th Biennial National Western Regional Mine Rescue Competition

Cameco Key Lake Mine

Top row (L to R): Chase Muirhead, Phil Bergbusch, Dustin Buffin, Nathan Lidguerre Bottom row (L to R): Camille Pouteaux, Russell Edwards Missing: Shawn Opekokew

Location: 570 kilometres north of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada Ownership: 83% Cameco, 17% AREVA Resources Canada Inc. Annual milling capacity: 18.7 million pounds U3O8 2011 production: (McArthur River Mine – Key Lake Mill) 19.98 million pounds U3O8 (Cameco’s share 13.95 million pounds U3O8) Product: U3O8, is transferred to the Blind River or Port Hope conversion facilities for processing into UO2 or UF6 for use at worldwide nuclear facilities for production of power, fulfilling fuel and electricity needs throughout the world.

History: Dedicated to open pit uranium mining from 1983 through the 1990s. In 2000 began milling ore from McArthur River.

Employment: 413 Cameco employees, 300 long-term contract employees

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Cameco McArthur River

(L to R):Ken Worobec (coach), Garrett Nagy, Trent Hamilton, Matt Herbers, Glen Struik (coordinator), Darren Woods (vice-captain), Todd Diederichs, Corey Simonson (captain).

The McArthur River operation is Cameco’s flagship uranium producer and is the source of about 15 per cent of the world’s primary supply of uranium. The McArthur River operation is a uranium mining facility located in the Athabasca Basin region of northern Saskatchewan about 630 km north of Saskatoon. The closest community with road access is Pinehouse, 300 km to the south.

Ore mined at the McArthur River operation is ground into slurry on site and trucked 80 kilometres south to Cameco’s Key Lake mill for processing. Since production began in 1999 to the end of 2012, the McArthur River operation has produced 230.5 million pounds of U3O8. Current reserves are estimated at 378.9 million pounds, grading at 16.4 per cent. Despite the challenges of mining high grade ore located adjacent to water-bearing sandstone under pressure, the McArthur River operation has been able to safely produce above its nominal capacity of 18.7 million pounds annually.

The McArthur River operation has done this while exhibiting strong performance in conventional safety and radiation control, thereby keeping workers safe and healthy.

The operation’s environmental performance has also seen continuous improvement.

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11th Biennial National Western Regional Mine Rescue Competition

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, September 5, 2013

History of the Fernie Mine Rescue Competition

A

s long as there has been mining, there has been the need for mine rescue. As society’s appetite for goods and services grew in the last half of the nineteenth century, miners everywhere were required to work deeper, faster and harder—sometimes pushing beyond the limits of available technology.

The mines that opened in the Crowsnest at the end of the nineteenth century were certainly part of this. Early mine rescue techniques; training and equipment were limited, and relatively ineffective.

An example of early equipment was the hood and hose. The hood, worn over the head, provided protection from the smoke while the hose, connected to the hood and strapped to the wearer’s leg, accessed fresher air on the floor.

It was better than nothing, but not much. Another approach developed simultaneously with the hood and hose was selfcontained breathing apparatus.

The first truly self-contained apparatus was first available in the 1860s. It consisted of an airtight bag filled with fresh air that was worn on the back and connected by a tube to the mouth. Of limited and uncertain duration, it did free the user from being tied to a hose.

In 1909, after a series of gas outbursts at the Carbonado Colliery at Morrissey and an explosion at the Extension mine on Vancouver Island, the British Columbia Mines Act was re-written. The new law required, among other things, that every coal mine be equipped with self contained oxygen breathing apparatus. It also mandated that central supply stations for the training of rescue corps be established and maintained by the government. This marked the beginning of formalized mine rescue in British Columbia.

The Elk Valley station was established at Hosmer - roughly half way between the mines at Coal Creek and those at Michel - in the fall of 1910. A team was soon trained in the use of the new mine rescue breathing apparatus.

It was not long before the training of the Hosmer mine rescue team was called upon.

An explosion at the Bellevue mine in Alberta in early December 1910 killed many miners and trapped many more. With no mine rescue team of its own, the Bellevue mine called upon the assistance of the Hosmer crew.

Lives were saved that day by the use of the more efficient breathing equipment. However, one of the dead was a member of the rescue team from Hosmer. In his Annual Report for 1910, the Chief Mines Inspector recorded that Fred Alderson of Hosmer, BC, holder of a British Columbia First-class Certificate of Competency, was one among the first to rush to the rescue of the entombed miners at Bellevue, and after saving life succumbed to the deadly gases himself.

By 1913, the Hosmer Station had been closed and a new one established in Fernie. Its first year was a busy one for the Fernie Station. Of the 102 miners issued certificates of competency in 1913, seventy-three were trained at Fernie.

Competitions have always been a part of mine rescue. The chance to practice and showcase skills is only a part of competition; more importantly, the teams get to know and learn from each other.

This knowledge pays dividends when their skills are required in a real rescue situation. The earliest well-documented demonstration of mine rescue was held at Forbes Field at Pittsburgh on October 30 and 31, 1911. The task of the team was to enter the test mine, find and remove three injured miners for treatment.

In British Columbia, the Annual Reports of the Department of Mines mention first aid competitions held at various locations in the teens – the first in Fernie was held on July 1st, 1915 on the grounds of today’s city hall. The first mine rescue competition in the Crowsnest area was held in Coleman, Alberta on Dominion Day 1916.

The Fernie Free Press reported: A large number of Fernie

citizens were conveyed by special train to Coleman on Dominion Day, where a field day of sports was held and a most enjoyable day was spent at the enterprising Alberta town. The principle events on this occasion were the competitions in mine rescue work and first aid under the auspices of St. John’s Ambulance Association.

Teams from Lethbridge, Coalhurst, Bellevue, Hillcrest, Coleman, Carbondale, Michel and Coal Creek were entered in these events, some of the camps sending two or three teams. The Coal Creek team, captained by John Bell and consisting in addition thereto of Dennis Techan, Thomas Wilson, Edward Caulfield and J. McCourt, carried off first honors by a wide margin in the mine rescue competition. The demonstration by the Coal Creek boys was superb and they were highly commended by experts in mine rescue apparatus and efficiency who were present at the Coleman celebration from several American centers’, as well as those from B.C. and Alberta points.

Fernie hosted its first competition on Labour Day the next year, although it wasn’t until the formation of the East Kootenay Mine Safety Association in 1919 that competitions became more widespread and regular. The rescue team from Fernie also competed outside the local area.

At an international event held at Nanaimo in 1919, it placed third, surpassed only by two teams from the United States.

The reputation of local mine rescue teams continued to grow.

During the mid 1920s, the team from Coal Creek won the East Kootenay competition four times and the Vancouver Island competition three times. That reputation was sustained over

the years and was a source of great local pride. Fernie teams captained by Joe Haile won many prizes in the thirties. The fiftieth annual report of the Crowsnest Pass Coal Company in 1946 featured a photograph of the Elk River Colliery (Coal Creek) Mine Rescue team. In 1967, the Michel Colliery team captained

by Fernie’s Bill Milburn won the East Kootenay competition. At Trail in June, the Michel team went on to capture the provincial crown and, at the first national competition ever to be held, became Canada’s champion in the country’s centennial year.

“Competitions have always been a part of mine rescue. The chance to practice and showcase skills is only a part of competition; more importantly, the teams get to know and learn from each other.

This knowledge pays dividends when their skills are required in a real rescue situation.”

Building from an idea suggested in 1991, in 1993 Fernie hosted the first Fernie Western Regional Mine Rescue Competition to promote the mining industry, the safety in the industry and the area as well. Originally planned as an invitation only competition, it changed to the winners only of the Provincial Mine Rescue Competitions for the current year and previous year, in their respective province or state, would be eligible to attend.

The Fernie Competition was further enhanced by Westray

Commissioner Justice K. Richards’ recommendation that… ”Mine Rescue Competitions, long a fixture in the underground mining industry, provide a valuable training incentive for miners.

These competitions should be continued.”

As a result of those comments the Chief Inspectors of Mines agreed that Canada should be divided into regions to deal with issues related to emergency preparedness and response. The NWRMRC (National Western Region Mine Rescue Committee) and the City of Fernie partner to ensure the Fernie Mine Rescue Competition tests the emergency preparedness and response capabilities rescue teams from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon and the northwestern United States.

The City of Fernie and its mine rescue committee are responsible for sponsoring and organizing the competition, while the NWRMRC is responsible for organizing the tasks. The competition is designed to recognize, showcase and celebrate the work and dedication of those involved in emergency response and mine rescue. Held every other September since then, underground and surface mine rescue teams from the western Canadian provinces and territories as well as the western states gather in Fernie to compete.

The competitions renew and reinforce the bonds established by their predecessors.

More formally the areas represented are part of a disaster response plan designed to provide mutual assistance when required. As in 1910, the example set by the Hosmer team has continued borders are ignored when the need is there.

All photos provided by the Fernie Museum

11th Biennial National Western Regional Mine Rescue Competition

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Diavik Diamond Mine

New Afton

The Diavik Diamond Mine is located in the Northwest Territories (NWT), 300 kilometers northeast of Yellowknife on East Island in Lac de Gras, 220 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle. The mine, a joint venture of Rio Tinto and Dominion Diamond Corporation, includes three diamond bearing ore bodies known as kimberlite pipes. In 2012, open pit mining concluded and Diavik completed its transition to an all underground mine.

Located on the subarctic tundra, Diavik utilizes both aircraft and ice road transport for its re-supply requirements.

(L to R): Captain Ed Jolliffe (Bench Technician), Captain Jared Moe (Member), Kris Edwards (ViceCaptain), Dustin Coxon (Captain), Lieutenant Chris O’Hara (Member), Mike Birtwistle (Spare), Ahsan Chaudhary (Coordinator), Lieutenant Calvin Fedechko (Member) and Fire & Mine Rescue Chief Mike Owens (Coach)

The underground mine rescue competition team qualified for the 2013 Western Regional Competition by placing first at the 2012 NWT Mine rescue competition in Yellowknife.

Diavik Mine Rescue teams have won the National Western Regional Underground Competition Overall Championship consecutively in 2009 and 2011. Diavik was one of two teams that represented Canada at the 8th International Mine Rescue Contest in Donetsk Ukraine in 2012. The competition consisted of 26 teams from 13 countries and was organized by the Ukraine Mine Rescue Military.

Our 2013 underground team for the National Western Regional Mine Rescue Competition in Fernie is; Alex Clinton (Coordinator), Nathan Pitre (Captain), Chris Auld (#2), Corey Hancock (#3), Craig Archibald (#4), Brent Karstad (Vice-Captain), Andrew Furlong (#7), John Arnold (Coach).

New Afton Fire & Mine Rescue is comprised of approximately 50 members including four Captains and four Lieutenants. Members are divided into four Platoons which align with their shift schedules. Each member is trained in Underground Mine Rescue, Surface Structural Firefighting, Auto Extrication, First Aid, Rope Rescue, Confined Space Training as well as a number of other proficiencies.

The New Afton copper-gold mine is located approximately 350 kilometres northeast of Vancouver in the south-central interior of British Columbia.

New Afton occupies the site of the historic Afton Mine, a previous operation of Teck Resources Limited, and includes an underground block cave, gyratory crusher & conveying system, the old pit, a new concentrator and new tailings facility. The New Afton deposit extends to the southwest from immediately beneath the Afton Mine open pit. New Afton began production in June 2012 and began commercial production ahead of schedule in July 2012. The underground operation is expected to produce, on average, 85,000 ounces of gold and 75 million pounds of copper per year over a 14-year mine life.

The New Afton Mine employs approximately 500 full-time personnel.

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11th Biennial National Western Regional Mine Rescue Competition

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Coal Mountain

Highland Valley Copper

Top row (L to R): Jon Gale- Coach, Scott Cook- Captain, Ryan Gallinger- #3, Shawn Erick-#5, Wade Robins- Spare.

Bottom row (L to R): Scott Shatalow-Vice Captain, Craig Wood- #4, Josh Gallinger- First Aid

Top row (L to R): Gerry Wong (Coach), Neal Rideout (V. Capt), Dave Potter, Sean Davies, Steve Hippisley ( Assist. Coach) Bottom row (L to R): Saxon Peters, Dale Konowalchuk (Capt), Robert Rudkowsky, Chris Fortier

Teck Coal Mountain Operations Mine Rescue team have four long time members; Scott Cook, Ryan Gallinger, Scott Shatalow and Craig Wood. Captain Scott Cook has been named Best Captain in numerous competitions. First time Vice Captain Scott Shatalow has won many awards in the Written portion of the competition. Ryan Gallinger previously served as Vice Captain in zone and provincial competitions. He serves as Captain for his crew team at work and has received recognition in the Written and Best Captain categories. Veteran member Craig Wood is a wealth of knowledge and skill in rope work and advanced first aid. He is also a Search and Rescue member in his community.

The Highland Valley Copper (HVC) Mine Rescue team are members of the regular Emergency Response Team (ERT) program at the site. To participate on the competition team, every year any qualified ERT member willing, must qualify through a vigorous personal tryout. The competition team is made up of the ones that scored within the top seven marks. The HVC tryouts are designed so that the only advantage that a previous member has is their experience, but they can easily not make the current team if they are not prepared or weak on their practical skills and knowledge.

Highlights for this team; 2nd place in the 2012 zone competition, 1st place in the 2013 zone competition – earning their spot to compete at the Provincials in Revelstoke for two years in a row. Two more highlights for this team was winning the Maurice Boisse Memorial Trophy for Best in Bench at the 2013 Provincial competition and having the opportunity to compete in this National Western Regional Mine Rescue Competition.

The particular members of the 2013 team have been together since last year and were successful at the both the 2012 and 2013 B.C. North Central South Zone and Provincial Mine Rescue Competitions.

This years HVC Team are employees from various departments across the mine site: Mine Maintenance, Mine Operations, Mill Operations and Mill Maintenance.

FERNIE

VISITOR INFORMATION

2 locations operated by the Fernie Chamber of Commerce

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250-423-6868 Highway #3 Info Centre Located East of the City

Hours: July-September 7 days a week: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Downtown Info Centre At the Fernie Museum 491 - 2nd Avenue, Downtown Fernie

7 days a week: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm

Welcome Competitors, Family and, Spectators!

Proudly serving the mining industry for 10 years “Our business is making your business look good.”

• • • • • • • •

Offices Strip Malls Rental buildings Care Facilities Showrooms Retail Stores Galleries Event Cleaning

Contact our office to have a site supervisor visit your building and provide a customized cleaning and maintenance estimate.

1591 10 Ave Fernie www.goldstarservicesgroup.com

Ph: 250-423-4029

11th Biennial National Western Regional Mine Rescue Competition

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Hudbay Flin Flon #1

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All photos submitted by Patrick Spohr

Hudbay Flin Flon #2

(L to R):Gavin Dayman (Technician), Bryan Rainville , Darren Lyhkun (Director of Operations) Olaf Hettrick (Coach), Joe McBurnie (V. Capt), Eric McIntosh, George Warman Les Vancoughnett – (Capt.)

(L to R):Jeremy Beauchamp, Don Last, (Director of Operations), Tracy Knutson (Capt.), Dustin Patterson, Bryan Rainville, George Warman, Damian Dominey, Don Peake (Coach), Olaf Hettrick (Coach)

Hudbay (TSX: HBM)(NYSE: HBM) is a Canadian integrated mining company with operations, development properties and exploration activities across the Americas principally focused on the discovery, production and marketing of Copper, Zinc, Gold and Silver properties in the Flin Flon / Snow Lake regions of Northern Manitoba, in Peru and in Michigan State.

Hudbay (TSX: HBM)(NYSE: HBM) is a Canadian integrated mining company with operations, development properties and exploration activities across the Americas principally focused on the discovery, production and marketing of Copper, Zinc, Gold and Silver properties in the Flin Flon / Snow Lake regions of Northern Manitoba, in Peru and in Michigan State.

Good Luck to all Mine Rescue Competitors 792 2nd Avenue, Fernie ~ 250-423-4607 * 2-101 Red Cedar Dr., Sparwood ~ 250-425-6489

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11th Biennial National Western Regional Mine Rescue Competition

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, September 5, 2013

Mosaic Potash Colonsay

All photos submitted by Patrick Spohr

Thunder Basin Coal Company

(L to R): Barry Moore, Terry Zerbin (co-captain), Ryan Wailing, Kyle Muggli, Darren Sochaski, Mike Diehl and Derek Frank (captain)

Top row (L to R): John Gunnels, Justin Stevenson, David Goff, Jacob Street, and Amy Love.

Bottom row (L to R): Randy Roby, Armando Cortez, and Shawn Kistler.

Mosaic Colonsay, a potash company based in Colonsay, Saskatchewan, is proud to send a team to compete in the 2013 National Western Regional Mine Rescue Competition.

Thunder Basin Coal Company is a part of Arch Coal, Inc. and is located in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming. The company employs approximately 1800 people and produces approximately 100 million tons of coal annually. Thunder Basin Coal Company has two mines, Black Thunder Mine and Coal Creek Mine. Surface Mine Rescue Competition Team is made up of team members from both mines. Captain, David Goff and Utility, Shawn Kistler are from Coal Creek Mine. Co-Captain, John Gunnels; Rigger, Randy Roby; Medic, Armando Cortez; Medic, Justin Stevenson; Rigger, Jacob Street; and Trainer, Amy Love are all from Black Thunder Mine.

With over 600 employees, we take pride in the men and women who volunteer with the Colonsay Emergency Response program and help in making Colonsay a safe workplace.

• Indoor Swimming Pool • Hot Tub & Sauna • Free Wireless Internet • Central Location • Minutes to Fernie Alpine Resort • 10% Discount at on-site Subway • Groups Welcome

• Free Local Calls • In-room Coffee & Tea • Fridge & Microwave in all rooms • 1 & 2 Bedroom Suites • Full Kitchens Available • 3-Bedroom Units • Cable TV

S u S ta i n a b i l i t y E n v i r o n m E n ta l r E g u l at o r y

and

P E r m i t t i n g F i r S t n at i o n S

Community EngagEmEnt

Special Rates for Mine Workers, Weekly and Monthly Rates Available

250.489.1212

250-423-4438 1-877-326-8888 401 Highway #3, Fernie, BC www.travelodgethreesisters.com info@travelodgethreesisters.com

www.MooseMMc.coM

11th Biennial National Western Regional Mine Rescue Competition

Nyrstar Myra Falls

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, September 5, 2013

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Syncrude

Top row (L to R): Todd Gonsky, Pat Langlois, Keith Notter.

Bottom Row (L to R): Cliff Boutilier, Rob Brown, Shawn Kotscherofski, Gary Boutilier

Top row (L to R): Patrick Courtoreille, Mitch Geisler, Randy Jackson and Toby Cook Bottom row (L to R): Travis Boyko, Brian Stoop and Dean Stoyles

The core of the mine rescue team at Myra Falls is made up of members that have been competing for many years. Last year the team underwent a significant change when three new members were introduced (Easily identified by those not having grey hair) this also included a new Team Captain (Rob Brown). Something very special to our team is the father and son members Gary and Cliff Boutilier. Team coach Rick Kretzschmar is a 3rd generation employee at Myra Falls.

Syncrude is one of the largest producers of crude oil from Canada’s oil sands. We operate a large oil sand mine, utilities plant, bitumen extraction plant and upgrading facility that processes bitumen and produces value-added light, sweet crude oil for domestic consumption and export.

The team has had much success in the past winning several Provincial titles as well as winning two Western Regional titles.

Myra Falls is approximately 85 kms from Campbell River on Vancouver Island. The Mine is located within Strathcona Provincial Park. It has been operating since 1966.

It is a polymetallic mine producing Zinc, Copper, Gold, Silver and Lead. After the Ore is sent through the Mill it is trucked to Campbell River in concentrate form and put on ships bound for Asia. The Mine employees 330 employees.

Nyrstar is the 5th largest zinc mining company in the world. The main headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland with mines located in North and South America.

Good luck to all competitors!

Fernie Mountain Lodge 250-423-5500 • Toll Free: 1-866-423-5566 www.bestwesternfernie.com Each Best Western hotel is independently owned and operated

• • • • • • • •

• • • • • •

Outdoor Hot Tub Indoor Pool & Hot Tub Fitness Room Kitchenettes Suites 100% Smoke Free Free Wi-Fi Banquet & Meeting Facility Complimentary Breakfast Boston Pizza Liquor Store Massage Studio Car Rental Pet Friendly

Our corporate headquarters are located in the city of Fort McMurray, 440 kilometres northeast of Edmonton, Alberta. Our Mildred Lake facility is 40 kilometres north of the city, with our Aurora project located an additional 35 kilometres north of Mildred Lake. Our operations are found on the Athabasca Oil Sands Deposit.

At Syncrude – we have four rescue team and each team has a number of dedicated individuals that is committed and is prepared to drop whatever they are doing at a moment’s notice to respond to an emergency call.

Good luck to all the mine rescue competitors.

Register for our Rewards Program and earn free oil changes 1492 Hwy 3 - Fernie, BC (250) 423-9211 Open Weekdays 8am-6pm; Sat 9am-3pm

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11th Biennial National Western Regional Mine Rescue Competition

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, September 5, 2013

Thanks, Supporters!

Snack Shack (at Fernie Arena)

Snow Valley Catering

Est. 1898

Shred Kelly