Glencore’s Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations mine rescue team has captured the overall champion title at the 2026 provincial mine rescue competition, which concluded June 12 in Sudbury. The crew successfully completed a mock emergency against seven other top-performing mine rescue teams from across Ontario in a scenario that tested their skills, knowledge and teamwork at Magna Mining Inc.’s Podolsky Mine, a historical property under care and maintenance. Scenario pitted rescuers against trespassers, opioid emergencies This year’s competition scenario highlighted how youth can be drawn to inactive or abandoned properties while remaining unaware of the quiet hazards present in those areas. As the scenario unfolded, mine rescue teams learned that teenagers had broken into the site, including the underground entrance. Before searching the site, teams determined the underground air lacked oxygen, making it toxic to breathe without protection. Rescuers followed the sound of loud metal music down the mine drift, where they located two unresponsive teens along with clues of substance abuse. “This type of scenario might seem silly at first glance,” said Workplace Safety North’s chief mine rescue officer Shawn Rideout. “We’ve seen firsthand that youth often don’t realize how dangerous these restricted, abandoned mines really are. A spot they think is just a cool place to hang out can easily lead to the tragic situations our mine rescuers faced in this competition.” The scenario also tackled opioid overdoses, which are becoming an increasing concern for mine rescue personnel. Whether an overdose or a lack of oxygen caused the patients’ unconsciousness, rescuers were judged on their ability to administer Narcan and supply safe air with an emergency breathing apparatus. “I’ve seen a lot of provincial scenarios and this year was one of my favorites,” said Blier Millions, the briefing officer of the winning Glencore Sudbury INO team. “The amount of involvement from variety, members of the team, as well as a briefing officer, allowing them to be part of the actual rescue component.” Rope rescue, vehicle fire test team capabilities The competition continued as another trespassing teen reported a second emergency. Spotting an accident at the base of a steep ridge, judges oversaw how teams deployed specialized rope rescue methods to descend to the patient, provide first aid and transport them back to safety. To conclude the scenario, teams encountered a mock vehicle fire on the mine property. They demonstrated how to operate a compressed air foam system, a specialized tool used to spread foam over fuel-related fires. For their overall excellence during the simulation, Glencore Sudbury INO took home the coveted gold hard hats – a special trophy recognizing the volunteers’ commitment, hard work and bravery. “It was amazing,” said Millions. “When our team finished up, we felt over the moon with excitement and satisfaction” Members of Glencore’s Sudbury INO team included Captain Shawn O’Brien, Vice Captain Aaron Boutet, Patrick Legris, Alyssa Frising, Denis Jr. Leblond, Steven Hrycay, Alyssa Spry, briefing officer Bleir Millions and Technician Daniel Rioux. Other award winners Ontario Mine Rescue, a part of Workplace Safety North, organizes the annual competition to ensure mine rescue volunteers maintain training standards, gain realistic experience and celebrate their achievements under the guidance of industry professionals. With files from CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca journalist Lyndsay Aelick
