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MSHA News Release: [07/21/2006]
Contact: Amy Louviere   Dirk Fillpot
Phone:    (202) 693-9406   (202) 693-9423
Release Number 06-1267-NAT

Wyoming Team Takes Top Honors in National Mine Rescue Contest

WASHINGTON - FMC Wyoming's "White Team" from Green River, Wyo., is the national mine rescue team champion in the 2006 National Metal and Nonmetal Mine Rescue Contest. The competition took place last week at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. FMC Wyoming's "Red Team" finished second, and the Morton Salt Co., team from Weeks Island, La., rounded out the top three.

Thirty-three rescue teams from around the country participated in the three-day event, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).

"While just a few teams may go home with trophies, in my mind every one of these competitors is a winner," said David G. Dye, acting administrator for MSHA. "When a disaster happens - no matter where or when - I know that offers of assistance will come from throughout the mining community. That's simply the nature of mine rescuers."

Other first-place winners in the competition: Mine rescue competitions are designed to test the knowledge of rescue teams who might be called upon to rescue their colleagues who may be trapped following a real mine emergency. Teams must solve a hypothetical mine emergency problem - such as a fire, explosion or cave-in - and are judged on accuracy and speed. Benchmen must inspect breathing devices and gas detection instruments to locate and correct existing defects. The first-aid competition requires emergency medical technicians to tackle real-life scenarios.

For complete contest results, including team photos, visit MSHA's Web site at http://www.msha.gov/MineRescue/CONTEST/2006MNM/2006HOME.asp.

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