50 YEARS OF HONING SKILLS

THE EVENT The 50th Annual Emergency Response Mine Rescue Skills Competition takes place on Saturday, June 2 in Moose Jaw at Mosaic Place and the Moose Jaw Exhibition. It is free for spectators and will have a Family Safety Zone where children can try on safety equipment.

THE HISTORY

The competition, started in 1968, was inspired by the first Dominion Mine Rescue Competition, held in 1967. A team from Eldorado Mining and Refining Ltd. represented Saskatchewan at that event, and shortly thereafter, the SMA’s Industrial Minerals Committee proposed that, beginning in 1968, active Saskatchewan mines participate in a provincial competition, the winner of which would advance to the Dominion competition.

Thus began the competition that has now stretched to 50 years, long outliving the Dominion competition, last held in the 1986. Over those years, events, rules, and venues have changed. While Regina and Saskatoon have been the most common locales, Yorkton and Estevan have also hosted, and this year, for the first time, the competition will be in Moose Jaw. In 1973 the competition was actually held underground at the Sylvite of Canada mine site in Rocanville.

Originally, a mine problem was the only event. First aid was first judged in 1977. Bench-test proficiency and firefighting made their appearance in 1983. In 1991, a surface rescue problem was added, reflecting the growing number of surface mines competing. Today, there are surface and underground categories for all events: first aid, firefighting, proficiency, practical skills and the mine problem.