The first three days of the 7th Annual Surface Mining Emergency Response Training and Competition are underway at the Florida Public Safety Institute in Havana.
This year’s event has brought together ten regional mine rescue teams for a week of training, evaluation, and hands-on emergency response scenarios designed to strengthen preparedness across surface mining operations.
Day One: Training and Preparation
The week began Monday with specialized training sessions and final team preparations. Participants took part in advanced instruction focused on rescue techniques, medical response, and coordinated incident command. These sessions set the tone for the competitive field exercises that followed.
Day Two: Written Exam and Confined Space Field Competition
Tuesday marked the start of team competitions, beginning with a written examination to assess technical knowledge and emergency response procedures.
Teams then entered the first confined space field scenario inside the two-story training structure. Without prior knowledge of the situation, teams were presented with a simulated structural collapse.
Each team was required to:
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Establish command structure
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Assess hazards
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Locate and treat multiple victims
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Package and extract patients safely
Victims were carefully lowered from second-story windows using rescue baskets, testing rope skills, medical care, communication, and teamwork under pressure.
Instructors and evaluators monitored operations in real time, assessing safety practices, decision-making, and overall coordination.
Day Three: Continued Field Scenarios and Skills Evaluation
Wednesday continued with additional field competitions and scenario-based challenges. Teams rotated through practical stations designed to evaluate first aid and trauma response, communication protocols, and coordinated emergency operations.
Throughout the week, participants have demonstrated professionalism, focus, and a shared commitment to strengthening mine rescue readiness.
Participating Teams
This year’s competing teams include:
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Nevada Gold Mines – Turquoise Ridge
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Carmeuse – Longview Warriors
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Lhoist – Montevallo Plant
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Mosaic – New Wales
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Mosaic – Wingate
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Mosaic – Bartow
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Mosaic – Rescue Divas
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Mosaic – Four Corners
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Nyrstar
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Vulcan Materials
The competition will conclude Thursday with a first aid practical and the awards banquet recognizing team performance and safety excellence.
We appreciate the continued dedication of each team, instructor, evaluator, and partner participating in this year’s event.
For more information about the competition, visit:
https://flminesafety.com/2026-competition/