Winners Announced: 68th Annual Mine Rescue & First Aid Competition

Penticton, BC – Sixteen mine rescue and first aid teams from operations across the province gathered in Penticton this weekend to compete in the 68th annual BC Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition with Elk Valley Resources Line Creek mine winning both best overall surface and three-person first aid and Newmont’s Red Chris mine winning best overall underground mine rescue awards.

Set against the backdrop of the Okanagan, two action-packed days saw teams from across British Columbia go head-to-head in a series of high-stakes, real-world emergency scenarios. Underground, surface, and first aid teams pushed their limits—demonstrating the skill, teamwork, and resilience required to perform when it matters most.

Mine rescue competitions are designed to test critical emergency response capabilities—from firefighting and hazard response to advanced first aid—through hands-on simulations and written evaluations. This year’s scenarios challenged teams to respond to a complex underground emergency involving trapped workers, tackling a dumpster fire full of fuel-soaked materials, rescuing a worker who fell 9 feet while changing a pulley system belt, treating workers exposed to carbon monoxide, and managing a car accident on site.

Congratulations to all competitors, volunteers, and supporters who came together in Penticton to make this year’s competition a success. Teams travelled from across the province—including northern operations near Dease Lake—highlighting the depth and strength of BC’s mine rescue network.

While every team delivered an impressive performance, special recognition goes to this year’s top competitors:

Three-Person First Aid: Elk Valley Resources – Line Creek

Surface Mine Rescue: Elk Valley Resources – Line Creek

Underground Mine Rescue: Newmont – Red Chris

First launched in 1958, the annual competition is organized by the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals and the Mining Association of BC (MABC).

“The Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition highlights the exceptional skill, discipline, and bravery of the people who help keep BC’s mining sector safe,” said Jagrup Brar, Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals. “These teams train year-round to be ready for the toughest situations, and their commitment reflects the very best of our industry.”

“Mine rescue is foundational to mining in BC and to the communities that support it,” said Michael Goehring, President & CEO of MABC. “Bringing this competition to Penticton shines a spotlight on the people behind the industry—highly trained professionals who step up when it counts. That connection between mining and community has never been more important.”

“Once again, BC’s mine rescue teams have demonstrated an exceptional level of preparedness and professionalism,” added Hermanus Henning, Chief Inspector of Mines. “Their performance reflects the high standards expected across the province and reinforces the critical role they play in protecting workers and supporting emergency response efforts beyond the mine site.”