For Immediate Release
May 19, 2026
Mine rescue teams across BC will be competing in the 2026 BC Provincial Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition taking place on Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23 at Penticton Trade & Convention Centre and Penticton Fire Training Centre.
Penticton, BC – Mine rescue teams across BC will be competing in the 2026 BC Provincial Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition taking place on Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23 at Penticton Trade & Convention Centre and Penticton Fire Training Centre.
This annual competition is organized by the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals and the Mining Association of BC (MABC). It brings together mine rescue teams, volunteers and spectators from all over the province. Each team will push themselves to the limit, demonstrating their specialized mine rescue skills as they compete in surface and underground mine rescue events. Mine rescue team members are an elite group with specialized skills and training and serve as a mine’s fire department, paramedics and high angle rescue teams.
The mine rescue competition is an exciting event for competitors and spectators. Teams compete in challenges testing their skills including firefighting, first aid and rope rescue in simulated conditions. It also shows how BC mining companies are working to safeguard the health and well-being not only of mine workers, but also the local communities where mines operate. This year’s event is sure to be a fun weekend outing for everyone.
“The Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition highlights the exceptional safety standards and training practices established across BC’s mining industry. This event goes beyond testing technical ability—it demonstrates the strong community spirit that underpins the sector,” said Jagrup Brar, Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals.
“Across BC’s mining sector, safety comes first. Every major mining operation is equipped with a mine rescue team ready to respond in emergencies, and each year their skill, readiness and dedication continue to stand out,” said Hermanus Henning, Chief Inspector of Mines with the BC Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals.
“Strong communities and a strong mining sector go hand in hand—especially in today’s challenging economic environment. BC provides the critical minerals, precious metals and steelmaking coal the world needs, and the annual Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition helps position our industry as a global leader in health and safety,” said Michael Goehring, President & CEO of the Mining Association of British Columbia.
Full event details are below and here.
Date: Friday May 22 (underground event, limited public viewing access) & Saturday May 23
Time: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Friday) and 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Saturday)
Location:
- Underground Competition & MineralsEd School Event: Friday, May 22 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Penticton Trade & Convention Centre & Memorial Arena
- Surface and 3-Person First Aid Competition: Saturday, May 23 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Penticton Search & Rescue Centre
Description: Family-friendly event suitable for all ages!
Cost: Free
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 50,000 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.
For Media Inquiries:
Jayne Czarnocki
Mining Association of BC
Cell: 778-957-2597
Email: [email protected]
