05/10/2026
SNOW LAKE Manitoba – Precision and teamwork were on full display as the province’s top mine rescue teams went head-to-head in one of the industry’s most demanding competitions – the Manitoba Provincial Mine Rescue Competition (MPMRC). After two days of intense, real-world simulations, Team Vale Thompson claimed top honours at the 63rd annual event, with Hudbay Minerals earning a strong second place finish.
Hosted May 8 & 9 by Hudbay and the Manitoba Mining Association of Manitoba Inc. (MAMI), the event brought together more than 30 highly trained mine rescue personnel, each ready to prove their skills in high-pressure simulated emergency scenarios.
Huge congratulations to Team Vale Thompson Captain Jeff Katchmar, Vice-Captain Marc Scaddan, plus team members Derek Ceppetelli, Rob Chuipak, Sean McKenzie, Tyler Mulrooney, Braxton Tucker and Matthew Violot whose performance stood out across a across a series of challenges designed to mirror real underground emergencies.
Ashton Crone, MAMI Board Member and Mine Rescue Committee Co-chair, congratulated all the participants, "The level of skill we saw this year was top-notch, and I want to congratulate Team Vale Thompson for their outstanding, well-earned performance. While we gather here to compete, the real victory is the safety culture of our industry. This event shows that Manitoba’s rescue teams are well trained and ready for any challenge."
Mine rescue is a specialized and critical field, where trained personnel—equipped with self-contained breathing apparatus—enter hazardous environments during or after fires, explosions, or other incidents. Their mission: rescue workers, control hazards, and restore safe conditions underground.
Throughout the competition, teams were pushed to their limits in events including a simulated underground rescue, first aid scenarios, firefighting, written testing, and hands-on technical skills. Beyond determining a winner, the competition highlights the strength, consistency, and high standards of Manitoba’s mine rescue training programs.
Other awards winners include:
• Firefighting – Vale Thompson
• First Aid – Hudbay Minerals
• Written Exam – Vale Thompson
• Technician Award – Bernard Fourie, Hudbay Minerals
• Practical Mine Rescue Skills Event – Heather Stone, Tanco; Braxton Tucker, Vale Thompson; Joel Chuipak, Hudbay Minerals; Jordan Galloway, Hudbay Minerals; and Clint Bickel, Mutual Aid, Vale Thompson
MAMI President and six-time MPMRC Co-chair Stacy Kennedy says the level of the competition continued to impress, “Time and time again our mine rescue personnel demonstrate unwavering dedication to the vital role they play, and this year was no exception.” She added, “Our teams exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and readiness, reinforcing the strength and resilience of Manitoba’s mining industry, and I am very proud of Vale Thompson’s performance.”
Judges for the underground scenario were independent Manitoba mine rescue instructors Jamie Mortson and Neil Spenser.
The competition returns next year hosted by Tanco, where teams will once again put their skills and team work to the ultimate test. Dates will be announced later in the year.
For further information contact: MAMI 204.989.1890
