Potash of Saskatchewan : PotashCorp Teams Finish on Top in Mine Rescue Competition

For the fourth straight year, PotashCorp Patience Lake has won the Surface Division of the Saskatchewan Emergency Response/Mine Rescue Skills Competition.

This is the 10th time in 13 years that Patience Lake has won this category.

PotashCorp Lanigan was runner-up this year in the underground division. Lanigan also has a history of success in the competition; it took the underground title in 2016 and 2015 and was runner-up in 2014.

A total of 15 teams competed in 2017: nine in the underground division and six in surface. Teams are tested in five areas: Fire Fighting, First Aid, Proficiency Skills (which includes a written exam), Practical Skills and response to simulated Surface and Underground Mine Problems.

The events test miners' abilities and knowledge in emergency situations that can arise at their sites.

'Our mine rescue teams are a critical part of our potash operations. It's absolutely necessary to have trained, knowledgeable responders if the need arises,' said Mark Fracchia, President, PCS Potash. 'We appreciate each employee who steps up for this role. The mine rescue competition is a challenging test of their skills and we are proud of the expertise shown by all our teams.'

Here is the full list of results:

OVERALL COMPETITION
Surface Winner: PotashCorp Patience Lake
Surface Runner-Up: Cameco Key Lake
Underground Winner: Mosaic Esterhazy K1
Underground Runner-Up: PotashCorp Lanigan

INDIVIDUAL EVENTS

FIELD PROBLEM
Surface Winner: Cameco Key Lake
Surface Runner-Up: Mosaic Belle Plaine

MINE PROBLEM
Underground Winner: PotashCorp Rocanville
Underground Runner-Up: Mosaic Esterhazy K1

FIRST AID
Surface Winner: PotashCorp Patience Lake
Surface Runner-Up: Westmoreland Coal Poplar River
Underground Winner: PotashCorp Lanigan
Underground Runner-Up: Mosaic Esterhazy K2

FIRE FIGHTING
Surface Winner: AREVA Resources McLean Lake
Surface Runner-Up: Mosaic Belle Plaine
Underground Winner: PotashCorp Allan
Underground Runner-Up: Silver Standard Seabee

PROFICIENCY SKILLS
Surface Winner: Westmoreland Coal Poplar River
Surface Runner-Up: PotashCorp Patience Lake
Underground Winner: PotashCorp Lanigan
Underground Runner-Up: Mosaic Esterhazy K1

PRACTICAL SKILLS
Surface Winner: Mosaic Belle Plaine
Surface Runner-Up: Cameco Key Lake
Underground Winner: Mosaic Esterhazy K1
Underground Runner-Up: PotashCorp Allan