Ohio mine competition has safety beneath it all

CADIZ, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Mineral Resources Management held its fourth annual Ohio Mine Safety Competition June 22 at the Jerry L. Stewart Mine Safety Training Center in Cadiz.

The team to beat was the Red Team from Century Mine.

“We’re proud of the skills of all of our Ohio mine rescue teams, but it was the first time in four years that one team took all of the top honors,” said Lanny Erdos, division deputy chief.

The competition has three major events: mine rescue, smoke scenario and bench competition. The Red Team from Century Mine, which is owned by American Energy Corporation, took first place in all three events.

Safety first

“If it ever comes down to it, with our training, we know we have what it takes to rescue our miners,” said David Adams, a long wall maintenance supervisor at Century Mine.

Most of the eight-member team have been competing for an average of five to seven years, however, much of their practice time is done outside of their work hours. The company covers expenses for the team to compete at four competitions annually.

Their next stop — the national Mine Safety Competition in Ohio in October.
The Ohio Mine Safety Competition will count toward one of the two federally required mine safety and rescue programs that miners must annually complete.

Training center

The Mine Safety Training Center has two 158-by-200 foot simulated mines that provide a venue for vital hands-on training. There are also four classrooms onsite, which allow staff to conduct training sessions regarding the Ohio mining industry and mine safety.