GML: Mine Rescue

PLEASE REGISTER

Keynote Speaker:
Chris Kennedy, General Manager
Sumitomo Metal Mining Pogo LLC


Have you ever heard of a canary in a coal mine? In the old days, a canary went down to work with underground miners. Because the canary is especially vulnerable to airborne poisons, the canary was used as a carbon monoxide detector. If the canary died, the miners knew they were soon to follow if they didn?t leave the mine immediately.

Fortunately technology has advanced and underground miners are no longer issued canaries. Rather, today?s miners? intense focus on safety with sophisticated monitoring and communication, greater safety awareness and regulatory oversight, and advanced technology has led to safer mining. A key element of safer mining is the creation of underground mine rescue teams.

Chris Kennedy, General Manager of the Pogo Mine, will speak about the history and evolution of underground mine rescue.

The Pogo underground mine rescue team practices regularly and has even won industry competitions. While they are not frequently deployed for actual emergencies, it is critical that they maintain a high level of proficiency so that in the case of an emergency, underground miners could know that every effort will be made to keep them safe. Fairbanks will host the Central Mine Rescue Underground Mine Rescue Competition May 12-14. In addition to mines from the lower 48, Alaska based Pogo, Greens Creek, and Kensington will all field teams.