SASKATOON — Westmoreland Mining Estevan earned top marks in emergency response during the 55th Annual Saskatchewan Mining Association (SMA) Emergency Response/Mine Rescue Skills Competition, held June 7 at the World Trade Centre at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon.
The Estevan surface rescue team earned runner-up finishes in two key events: first aid and practical skills, demonstrating high-level preparedness, teamwork and safety expertise.
Their strong showing was part of a full day of technical challenges, where 16 mine rescue teams from across the province competed in seven events, including bench technician, firefighting, first aid, practical skills, proficiency, surface rope rescue and simulated surface and underground mine problem scenarios.
Westmoreland’s performance continued beyond the field competition with a major recognition for Westmoreland Mining Poplar River.
At the event’s awards ceremony, Poplar River received the John T. Ryan National Safety Trophy from the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. The award recognizes mining operations with outstanding safety records in Canada.
"Westmoreland Mining Poplar River received the National Award in the Coal Category with a rate of zero –– and that represents more than 1.5 million hours worked with no lost time injuries, or modified work injuries at their operations in 2024,” event organizers said in a media release.
Poplar River has now won the national award four times in the last five years.
"The Poplar River Mine has always prided itself on safety which has allowed them to win The National John T. Ryan award four of the last five years by achieving a total frequency rate of 0.00. The mine’s strong safety culture and top-notch employees help power the Province of Saskatchewan. Congratulations on this great safety achievement," event organizers added.
The event also celebrated the overall winners of the competition:
- Surface champion: Mosaic Esterhazy Surface
- Surface runner-up: K+S Potash Bethune
- Underground champion: Nutrien Allan
- Underground runner-up: Mosaic Esterhazy K3
Individual event results included top performances from Nutrien, K+S Potash and Mosaic teams.
The Saskatchewan Mining Association commended all participating teams, calling them “a tremendous resource, both to the mines where they work and their home communities.”
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