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: jczarnocki@mining.bc.ca
What makes BC such an attractive place for mining investment and development?
BC is uniquely positioned to play a leading role in providing Canada’s allies and partners with the minerals, metals, and steelmaking coal they need.
British Columbia has or produces sixteen of the fifty minerals the U.S. has identified as being vital to their national interest. Over half – are found or produced in British Columbia, including: aluminum, copper, germanium, gallium, indium, nickel, and many others.
What is the Mining Association of British Columbia?
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 56,000 jobs, $27 billion in economic activity for British Columbians, and nearly 4,000 small, medium, and Indigenous affiliated businesses in every corner of our province.
Our members’ products have among the lowest carbon footprints globally and are helping Canada and our allies meet our decarbonization, technology, and national security objectives; safely and responsibly.
How does BC compare with other mining jurisdictions around the world when it comes to regulation, innovation, and investment opportunities?
British Columbia is recognized globally for its rigorous regulation and environmental and social responsibility standards.
The provincial government’s move towards accelerating permitting timelines and creating clearer regulatory pathways for mining and critical mineral projects also are helping make BC a very strong global mining jurisdiction.
BC is competitive, but we are not the only mining game in town when it comes to global investors. Jurisdictions that combine strong geology with fast, predictable permitting and innovation incentives are capturing the largest share of new investment. BC has the ingredients to lead — but must continue strengthening regulatory and permitting efficiency, infrastructure planning, and investment certainty to fully realize its potential.
BC can be a global leader in responsible, innovative, and future‑focused mining. The decisions made now will determine whether the province secures that leadership position in the decade ahead.
BC is uniquely positioned to play a central role in providing Canada’s allies and partners with the minerals and metals they need.
What economic impact does the mining industry have on British Columbia, including employment, First Nations partnerships, and local communities?
There are 31 proposed mining projects in BC mining that could deliver more than $90 billion in economic opportunity for Canada.
Mining is the biggest jobs and economic opportunity BC will see in a lifetime. Mining can secure our economic future and long-term prosperity.
Mining is already a cornerstone of British Columbia’s economy. The next generation of proposed mining projects presents major economic opportunities for BC.
MABC’s Mining and Metro Vancouver Economic Impact Study identifies 31 proposed new and extended mines across the province, including 20 critical mineral projects, seven precious metal projects, and four steelmaking coal projects.
Construction and development of these mines are expected to generate:
– $90+ billion in total economic activity
– $40+ billion in GDP
– $24 billion in pay cheques
– 286,000+ well-paying jobs
– $12 billion in government revenues
Which commodity is in most demand right now and which province has the most of it?
Right now, the commodities driving the greatest opportunities in BC are copper, gold, and critical minerals — especially molybdenum, battery metals like lithium, and rare earth elements.
BC is Canada’s leading producer of copper and steelmaking coal, second largest producer of silver, and only producer of molybdenum.
What role can BC’s mining industry play in boosting our economy?
Mining supports more than 56,000 jobs and generates billions in economic activity, while creating opportunities for thousands of small, medium, and First Nations businesses across our province.
At a time of growing economic uncertainty, mining can secure our economic future by creating jobs that strengthen communities in every region of BC.
What does BC’s mining sector offer Canada and its allies, and why is developing these resources such an important opportunity for the future?
BC’s mining sector has the critical minerals, precious metals and steelmaking coal that Canada and our allies need. Demand for these strategic resources is growing, and we are ready to deliver.
Developing our resources for new markets is a nation-building opportunity that will grow our economy, protect our sovereignty, and make BC and Canada stronger.
Why is now a great time to consider a career in BC’s mining industry?
BC’s mining industry is hiring.
In fact, with the growth of the sector, the industry needs to hire 35,000 workers over the next 10 years.
That means you can be part of a new generation of British Columbians who can take advantage of skilled, high-paying jobs in every region of the province.
