(Sudbury, ON) – NORCAT has been selected to host the upcoming Ontario Mine Rescue Competition at its operating mine in Onaping, Ontario from June 6th to June 10th, 2016. The annual provincial competition brings together mine rescue volunteers, mining companies, government officials, and spectators in an event which showcases the skills and expertise of some of the world’s finest mine rescue personnel.
Since 2014, NORCAT has invested nearly $2 million in their Underground Centre as part of their demonstrated and on-going commitment to operate a world-class underground mine, not only to enable technology testing and development, but also to serve as one of the world’s leading underground mine skills training centres. Hosting the Ontario Mine Rescue competition will enable teams from across the province to compete in a variety of exercises including proficiency with equipment, firefighting, first aid, and underground emergency scenarios – in an operating mine environment with all the necessary amenities and support services required to host an event of this magnitude.
As a lead-in to the International Mines Rescue Competition (IMRC2016 – Canada) being held in Sudbury in August, the provincial competition is expected to draw interest from mine rescue teams and companies around the world. “NORCAT has worked with our customers, partners, and all levels of government to create a world-class operating mine that our Northern Ontario community can be very proud of,” cites Don Duval, CEO of NORCAT. “Having Ontario Mine Rescue utilize NORCAT’s Underground Centre for this and hopefully future mine rescue competitions is a great synergistic opportunity as mine skills training / development and health / safety are at the core of what we do.”
Ontario Mine Rescue, a part of Workplace Safety North, has trained and equipped thousands of volunteers who have fought fires, rescued injured personnel, and responded professionally to a wide array of incidents in the province’s mines over the past eight decades.
“NORCAT’s Underground Centre is a great location for the 2016 Ontario Mine Rescue Competition,” comments Shawn Rideout, Chief Mine Rescue Officer for Ontario Mine Rescue. “It is a great opportunity for the competing mine rescue teams to showcase their skills in their natural working environment in a state-of-the-art training facility. It provides us the opportunity to challenge the teams with a realistic simulation.”
About NORCAT
NORCAT is focused on developing and providing world-class programs, services, and resources to reduce injuries, save lives, and enhance productivity in the workplace and beyond.
About Ontario Mine Rescue Under the authority of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and headquartered in Sudbury, Ontario Mine Rescue staffs, equips and maintains a network of mine rescue stations across the province that ensure mines within a specified geographic area have adequate emergency response capability.
For more information please contact:
Jason Bubba Director – Training and Development NORCAT | 705-521-8324 x246