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.”
Full 2026 competition results
Three-Person First Aid
| Trophy | Category | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Kathy Lofstrom Memorial Trophy | Best coach for three-person team | Jen Virtue & Alex Issac, Elk Valley Resources – Line Creek |
| (no trophy) | Best written for three-person team | Elk Valley Resources – Line Creek |
| Three Person First Aid Trophy | Best three-person team | Elk Valley Resources – Line Creek |
Surface Mine Rescue
| Trophy | Category | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Ron Brow Memorial Trophy | Best extrication | Centerra – Mount Milligan |
| Maurice Boisse Memorial Trophy | Best practical bench skills | Centerra – Mount Milligan |
| East Kootenay Mines Industrial Safety Association Trophy | Best written score | Elk Valley Resources – Line Creek |
| East Kootenay Mines Industrial Safety Association Mine Rescue Memorial Trophy | Best rope team task | Hudbay – Copper Mountain |
| North South Central First Aid Trophy | Best first aid | Hudbay – Copper Mountain |
| Levitt-Safety Fire Trophy | Best fire | Elk Valley Resources – Line Creek |
| New – EKMISA Best Captain’s Award | Best captain | Harley Marshall, Elk Valley Resources – Line Creek |
| HVC Highest Non-Aggregate Points Trophy | Highest points (non-aggregate) | Elk Valley Resources – Line Creek |
| Overall Surface Mine Rescue Winner | Highest aggregate (best overall) | Elk Valley Resources – Line Creek |
Underground Mine Rescue
| Trophy | Category | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Barry Abbott Memorial Trophy | Best practical bench skills | Newmont – Brucejack |
| Best Bench Technician Trophy | Best bench technician | Matt Hanson, Newmont – Red Chris |
| USWA Mine Mill Trophy | Best underground coordinator | Sean Fong, Newmont – Brucejack |
| Richard Booth Award | Best written score | Newmont – Brucejack |
| Sullivan Cup | Best first aid | Newmont – Brucejack |
| Best Performance in Underground Smoke | Best smoke | Newmont – Brucejack |
| Keith Bracewell Memorial Award | Best obstacle and recovery | Newmont – Red Chris |
| Levitt-Safety Fire Trophy | Best fire | Newmont – Red Chris |
| Overall Underground Mine Rescue Winner | Highest score (best overall team) | Newmont – Red Chris |
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.
