Glencore's Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations Team Wins Ontario Mine Rescue Championship

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Glencore's Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations team emerged victorious in the Ontario Mine Rescue Competition 2026, demonstrating exceptional skills in tackling a mock emergency scenario that highlighted the dangers of abandoned mining sites.

SUDBURY, ONT. — The competition season for mine rescue teams in Ontario concluded earlier this month in Sudbury, with Glencore’s Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations (INO) mine rescue team securing the title of overall champion for the year 2026. The team showcased their skills by successfully completing a challenging mock emergency alongside seven other top mine rescue teams from across the province, as detailed in a recent release.
Each year, Ontario Mine Rescue organizes a competition that simulates emergency scenarios to evaluate the capabilities of its volunteers. This year’s scenario focused on the risks associated with inactive or abandoned properties, particularly how youth might inadvertently expose themselves to hazards in these areas. The setting for this year’s exercise was Magna Mining Inc.’s Podolsky Mine, a historical site currently under care and maintenance.
During the simulation, mine rescue teams were tasked with responding to reports of teenagers who had trespassed into the site, including its underground entrance. Upon entering the mine, the teams quickly assessed that the underground air was deficient in oxygen, creating a toxic environment that necessitated protective gear for the rescuers. The teams were directed by the loud sounds of metal music emanating from deeper within the mine, leading them to discover two unconscious teens, alongside evidence suggesting substance abuse.
“This type of scenario might seem trivial at first glance,” remarked Shawn Rideout, chief mine rescue officer at Workplace Safety North, in a statement. “However, we have observed that young people often underestimate the dangers posed by these restricted, abandoned mines. What might appear to them as an appealing hangout can swiftly lead to tragic situations like those depicted in this competition.”
In addition to addressing the unconscious teens, the scenario also incorporated the issue of opioid overdoses. The rescuers were evaluated on their proficiency in administering Narcan, as well as supplying breathable air using emergency breathing apparatuses. The competition progressed further when another report of a trespassing teen involved a separate accident at the base of a steep ridge. Judges observed how teams implemented specialized rope rescue techniques to descend to the victim, provide necessary first aid, and safely transport them back to secure ground.
As the final challenge, the teams faced a mock vehicle fire on the mine property, where they demonstrated their ability to operate a Compressed Air Foam System, a specialized tool designed to extinguish fuel-related fires by dispersing foam. For their exemplary performance throughout the simulation, Glencore Sudbury INO was awarded the prestigious gold hard hats, a symbol of their dedication and teamwork.
The members of Glencore’s Sudbury INO mine rescue team included: Captain Shawn O’Brien, Patrick Legris, Alyssa Frising, Denis Jr. Leblond, Vice Captain Aaron Boutet, Steven Hrycay, Briefing Officer Bleir Millions, and Technician Daniel Rioux.
Additional teams were recognized for their outstanding achievements in various categories, including:
- Runner-up (second place): Agnico Eagle Ltd. – Macassa Mine
- First place Individual Equipment Technician Competition: Mike Ladouceur from Discovery Porcupine – Hoyle Pond Mine
- Team Special Equipment Award: Agnico Eagle Ltd. – Macassa Mine Team
- First Aid Award: Vale – West Mines Team
- Firefighting Award: Agnico Eagle Ltd. – Macassa Mine Team
- Theory Exam Award: Discovery Porcupine – Hoyle Pond Mine
- Briefing Officer Award: Nick Perrier from Agnico Eagle Ltd. – Macassa Mine

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