KGHM mine rescuers to compete in the International Mines Rescue Competition in the USA

A 10-member team from the KGHM branch of the Mine-Smelter Rescue Unit will compete in the International Mines Rescue Competition in the United States. The event, held again after a break of several years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will begin on September 11 at the National Mine Health and Safety Academy in Beaver, West Virginia.

KGHM’s rescuers have been preparing for the competition for many weeks, including at the training track in Sobin. During the competition in September, they will compete against teams from around the world in several disciplines. They will test their skills in simulated rescue, firefighting, high-altitude rescue, and first aid operations.

“Our team is composed of rescuers who are experienced in both rescue operations and staff management during various activities. The idea of the competition is to bring together teams from around the world and exchange skills. Of course, beating other teams during the competition and achieving the highest possible place would be great, but that won’t be the most important thing,” said Radoslaw Stach, the director of the Rescue Unit, during a meeting with journalists.

This international competition will provide an excellent opportunity for the rescuers to improve their skills, as well as to exchange technical and organizational knowledge. The participants will also have the opportunity to learn about the structures of other countries’ mine rescue units, including their principles of operation and rescue equipment.

The rescuers from the Mine and Smelter Rescue Unit in Sobin will represent KGHM at the international competition for the twelfth time. They have won the championship twice and regularly rank among the top teams.

KGHM’s team participated in the competition from the very beginning - from the first event held in 1999. The International Mines Rescue Competition is held every two years. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, in 2020 the competition was canceled and moved to 2022.