Britannia Beach, BC – Sixteen mine rescue and first aid teams from mines across the province competed in the 67th annual BC Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition at the historic Britannia Mine Museum last weekend.
Two action packed days saw teams from all over British Columbia battle it out for first place in their respective categories. Underground, surface, and first aid teams gave it their all as they fought hard to beat rival mine rescue teams to prove their ‘metal’.
Mine rescue competitions test the aptitude of mine rescuers on essential emergency response skills, from firefighting to first aid, through live-action scenarios and a written test. This year’s simulated challenges included responding to an earthquake and explosion in an underground mine, safe recovery of workers in a confined space, trapped in a hazardous atmosphere pinned under a haul truck, and building a rope system to rescue an injured person from extreme heights.
Well done to all competitors, volunteers and supporters who turned up in force on the shores of Howe Sound. The 2025 competition saw mine rescue teams from as far as Dease Lake compete neck in neck.
Every participant and team deserve recognition for their performance, with special mention to the overall category winners:
• Underground Mine Rescue: New Gold -New Afton
• Surface Mine Rescue: Elk Valley Resources -Line Creek
• Three-person First Aid Team: Elk Valley Resources -Fording River Operations
The annual competition, which started in 1958, is organized by the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals Innovation and the Mining Association of BC (MABC).
“The Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition is a powerful reminder of the dedication and bravery of the people who keep our mining sector safe. These teams train year-round to be ready for the worst, and their commitment is nothing short of heroic. Government is proud to support this event and to recognize the incredible work of mine rescue professionals across British Columbia. Their efforts reflect the best of our industry – teamwork, courage, and a deep commitment,” said Jagrup Brar, Minister of Mining and Critical minerals of BC.
“Mine Rescue is the lifeblood of BC’s mining industry and communities across the province. Courageous mine workers who willingly put themselves in harm’s to way to keeps others safe….is an admirable feat. And the connection between mining and community is more important than ever – especially amidst today’s economic turbulence,” said Michael Goehring, President & CEO, Mining Association of BC.
“Once again, I’m impressed by the skills, dedication, and readiness of BC’s mine rescue teams. Their performance this past weekend was a clear reflection of the high standards required at every major mine site. Safety is at the core of BC’s mining operations, and these teams play a vital role in upholding it – not just on site, but also through their contributions to emergency response in the broader community,” added Hermanus Henning, Chief Inspector of Mines, BC Government.
Full 2025 competition results
Three person first aid competition
Surface mine rescue
Underground mine rescue
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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 35,000 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.
About Britannia Mine Museum
The Britannia Mine Museum is a mining legacy site and a vibrant, internationally recognized education and tourist destination located between Vancouver and Whistler on the Sea-to-Sky highway. It is a National Historic Site and a non-profit organization encouraging mining awareness through entertaining, experiential education programs and exhibits, important historic collection preservation and insightful public engagement that allows guests to leave with a better understanding of mining in BC; past, present and future.
For media inquiries
Jayne Czarnocki
Mining Association of British Columbia
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.
