Mine rescue competitions are a key part of Ontario Mine Rescue’s training and preparedness efforts. Every year, a new, standardized simulation challenges teams of mine rescue volunteers, evaluating their skills, providing real-life experience, and generating constructive feedback. Industry professionals also take part by creating detailed scenarios, such as building props to replicate mines, applying special effects makeup for injured victims, and designing hazards for teams to manage. In addition, winners are commemorated on district and provincial trophies, honouring the courage and commitment behind every response to the world’s most high-risk emergencies.
District Competitions
Active mines in each district send their top-performing mine rescue teams to compete at the district level. This local competition, annually held in May, is open and free for the public to spectate. Eight finalists are named at an awards banquet, advancing them to the provincial level against other district teams.
The following teams will compete in the 2026 Provincial Mine Rescue Competition
Southern District
Compass Minerals - Goderich Mine
Captain Cody Lobb, #2 Marshall Jeffery, #3 Chris Sallows, #4 Wade Armstrong, Vice Captain Peter Hendriks, #6 Kyle Ropp, #7 Lee Coates, Briefing Officer Ken Nguyen, Technician Dennis Hogan
Sudbury District
Vale – West Mines
Captain Roch Berthiaume, #2 Greg Moser, #3 Madison Tracey, #4 Darryl Konner, Vice Captain Brian Reeves, #6 Mathieu Plante, #7 Ryan Raposo, B.O. Lorne Beleskey, Technician Nick Fram
Timmins District
Discovery Porcupine - Hoyle Pond Mine
Captain Adam Weagle, #2 Merlyn Tugas, #3 Darianne Dussault, #4 Pat Fontaine, Vice Captain Richard Martin, #6 Eric Coderre, #7 Brayden Leduc, B.O Andy Burns, Technician Mike Ladouceur
Red Lake District
Evolution Mining - Red Lake Operations
Captain Scott McKean, #2 Nicole Gauthier, #3 Dave Zapora, #4 Sam Clark, Vice Captain Micky Gilbart, #6 James Dobbyn, #7 Raymond Kitchen, B.O. Rob Nylund, Technician Geoff Taylor
Onaping District
Glencore Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations - Craig Mine
Captain Shawn O'Brien, #2 Patrick Legris, #3 Alyssa Frising, #4 Denis Jr. Leblond, Vice Captain Aaron Boutet, #6 Steven Hrycay, #7 Alyssa Spry, B.O. Bleir Millions, Technician Daniel Rioux
Kirkland Lake District
Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. - Macassa Mine
Captain Jackson Lafrance, #2 Kody Delaurier, #3 Alex Perrault, #4 Kameron Stoesz, Vice Captain Jean-Francois Racine, #6 Carlie Dewar #7 Luc Daviau, B.O. Nick Perrier, Technician Caolan Browne
Thunder Bay District
Orla - Musselwhite Mine
Captain Gabriel Roy, #2 Leaf Watson, #3 Mitchell Halteman, #4 Seamus Postuma, Vice Captain Connor Olimb, #6 Kevin Ireland, #7 Daison Boyd, B.O. Steven Uchtenhagen, Technician Jimmy Sinclair
Algoma District
Hemlo Mining Company - Williams Mine
Captain Jared Lindsay, #2 William Martin, #3 Keith Johnson, #4 Chris Hause, Vice Captain Keith Clarke, #6 Alex Brown, #7 Micheal Toye, B.O. Russell Eagle, Technician Alex Vizier
Provincial Competitions
In June, the best eight teams across the province face a new simulated scenario. While the same rules apply, a real Ontario mine is used as a setting, increasing the stakes, immersion, and challenge for the teams. The overall winning team receive gold hard hats and a chance to represent Ontario at the international level.
The 2026 Provincial Competition will take place in Sudbury, June 10 to 12.
Sponsors and location TBA.
Flickr Photo Albums
Ontario Mine Rescue Competitions 2023-Present
Ontario Mine Rescue Competitions 2009-2019