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Estevan mine employees tops in practical skills at provincial competition

Estevan was runner-up in first aid category.
estevan-mine-rescue-1
Participating in the Emergency Response Mine Rescue Skills Competition this year will be the Mine Rescue Team at Westmoreland Mining Holdings LLC's Estevan Mine, consisting of, from left, Derek Choma, Tanner Weger-Brandow, Brandon Schopp, Austin Dovell, vice-captain Tyler Ursu, captain Jessica Klarholm, and Lonnie Rooks. Missing from the picture are coaches Cory Gibson and Travis Olver, and safety manager Guy Hiltz.

ESTEVAN - The members of the mine rescue team from the Westmoreland Mining Holdings LLC’s Estevan mine had a great showing at the Saskatchewan Mining Association’s mine rescue competition.

The event was held Saturday at the World Trade Centre at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon, and served as a conclusion for Saskatchewan Mining Week.

Competing in the surface mining competition, the Estevan entry was first in practical skills and the runner-up for first aid.

Competing team members were Derek Choma, Tanner Weger-Brandow, Brandon Schopp, Austin Dovell and Lonnie Rooks, along with vice-captain Tyler Ursu, captain Jessica Klarholm, coaches Cory Gibson and Travis Olver, and supervisor Guy Hiltz, who is the safety manager at the Estevan mine.

Mosaic Belle Plaine was the overall winner for the surface mining competition, while K+S Potash Canada Bethune was the runner-up.

Underground and surface rescue teams displayed their skills in seven separate events, including firefighting, first aid, proficiency skills, practical skills, bench technician, surface rope rescue, and simulated surface and underground mine problems.