All-women mine rescue team hoping to break down barriers

Kari Lentowicz hopes taking what is thought to be the world’s first all-female mine rescue team to a major competition in Russia will help demolish barriers in a male-dominated industry.

The seven-member group, nicknamed Diamonds in the Rough, is currently raising the $84,000 it needs to travel to Ekaterinburg for the 2018 iteration of the biennial International Mines Rescue Competition.

Lentowicz, who spent more than a decade working in Saskatchewan’s mining industry and has spoken previously about her struggles in a sector dominated by men, is serving as the Diamonds’ coach.

“We need to showcase that women can do this, not just provincially or nationally but internationally — that we are valuable competitors and this is a role that we can do on a day-to-day basis,” she said.

Mine rescue teams typically consist of employees who volunteer to learn the skills necessary to rescue colleagues trapped underground, battle fires in mine shafts and deal with any other emergencies.

Competitions are common. An event held each summer in Saskatchewan, for example, gives miners a chance to show off their skills and best colleagues working at other mines across the province.

But, according to Lentowicz, it’s uncommon for women to take part at all.

The Saskatchewan Mining Association reported three years ago that women make up about 14 per cent of the province’s mining workforce. Lentowicz said that figure is typically much lower on mine rescue teams.

“What we’re finding is, just like some of the diversity studies that have been done, women generally represent three per cent or less in this area,” she said.

Diamonds in the Rough — one of two Canadian teams registered for the competition — is made up of women who spend their days working for multiple mining companies across Western Canada.

Since its formation, the group has acquired several sponsors, including several mining corporations and a company dedicated to making personal protective equipment specifically for women.

When Diamonds travel to Russia in September, they will compete in events — including firefighting, first aid, a mine rescue simulation and a relay race — wearing gear provided by Covergalls Workwear Inc.

According to Jade Kutchaw, the four-year-old company ’s business development manager, sponsoring the Diamonds in the Rough was a “no-brainer” given how both groups’ goals align.

“Any way that we can support women who are breaking barriers, or breaking glass ceilings, is the most important to us. We’re completely proud of them and totally impressed with the progress they’ve made,” she said.

Lentowicz, meanwhile, said that while the group still needs to raise some cash and arrange for almost three weeks’ away from their jobs, she is optimistic their trip will help encourage women interested in mining.

“If we can play a role in emergency response, what can’t we do?” amacpherson@postmedia.com twitter.com/macphersona

We need to showcase that women can do this, not just provincially or nationally but internationally.