Britannia Beach, BC – Sixteen mine rescue and first aid teams from mines across the province competed in the 67th annual BC Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition at the historic Britannia Mine Museum last weekend.
Two action packed days saw teams from all over British Columbia battle it out for first place in their respective categories. Underground, surface, and first aid teams gave it their all as they fought hard to beat rival mine rescue teams to prove their ‘metal’.
Mine rescue competitions test the aptitude of mine rescuers on essential emergency response skills, from firefighting to first aid, through live-action scenarios and a written test. This year’s simulated challenges included responding to an earthquake and explosion in an underground mine, safe recovery of workers in a confined space, trapped in a hazardous atmosphere pinned under a haul truck, and building a rope system to rescue an injured person from extreme heights.
Well done to all competitors, volunteers and supporters who turned up in force on the shores of Howe Sound. The 2025 competition saw mine rescue teams from as far as Dease Lake compete neck in neck.
Every participant and team deserve recognition for their performance, with special mention to the overall category winners:
• Underground Mine Rescue: New Gold -New Afton
• Surface Mine Rescue: Elk Valley Resources -Line Creek
• Three-person First Aid Team: Elk Valley Resources -Fording River Operations
The annual competition, which started in 1958, is organized by the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals Innovation and the Mining Association of BC (MABC).
“The Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition is a powerful reminder of the dedication and bravery of the people who keep our mining sector safe. These teams train year-round to be ready for the worst, and their commitment is nothing short of heroic. Government is proud to support this event and to recognize the incredible work of mine rescue professionals across British Columbia. Their efforts reflect the best of our industry – teamwork, courage, and a deep commitment,” said Jagrup Brar, Minister of Mining and Critical minerals of BC.
“Mine Rescue is the lifeblood of BC’s mining industry and communities across the province. Courageous mine workers who willingly put themselves in harm’s to way to keeps others safe….is an admirable feat. And the connection between mining and community is more important than ever – especially amidst today’s economic turbulence,” said Michael Goehring, President & CEO, Mining Association of BC.
“Once again, I’m impressed by the skills, dedication, and readiness of BC’s mine rescue teams. Their performance this past weekend was a clear reflection of the high standards required at every major mine site. Safety is at the core of BC’s mining operations, and these teams play a vital role in upholding it – not just on site, but also through their contributions to emergency response in the broader community,” added Hermanus Henning, Chief Inspector of Mines, BC Government.
Full 2025 competition results
Three person first aid competition
Surface mine rescue
Underground mine rescue
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About the Mining Association of British Columbia
MABC is the voice of British Columbia’s steelmaking coal, metal, and mineral producers, smelters, and advanced development companies. Our industry benefits all British Columbians and supports more than 35,000 jobs and nearly 4,000 small, medium, and Indigenous affiliated businesses in every corner of the province through an annual spend of $3.7 billion on goods and services. Our members’ products have among the lowest carbon footprints globally and are helping the world transition to a cleaner, low-carbon future; safely and responsibly.
About the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals
The Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals is responsible for overseeing the province’s mining and mineral exploration sectors. The ministry works to ensure a well-regulated, environmentally sound, and economically beneficial industry that advances reconciliation with Indigenous Nations and public confidence.
About Britannia Mine Museum
The Britannia Mine Museum is a mining legacy site and a vibrant, internationally recognized education and tourist destination located between Vancouver and Whistler on the Sea-to-Sky highway. It is a National Historic Site and a non-profit organization encouraging mining awareness through entertaining, experiential education programs and exhibits, important historic collection preservation and insightful public engagement that allows guests to leave with a better understanding of mining in BC; past, present and future.
For media inquiries
Jayne Czarnocki
Mining Association of British Columbia
Cell: 778-957-2597
Email: jczarnocki@mining.bc.ca
