Agnico Eagle’s Pinos Altos and Creston Mascota mine rescue teams finished with top honours at the 9th Regional Underground and Open Pit Mine Rescue Competition that took place in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico this past September.
The two-day competition was organized by the Chamber of Mines for Mexico. The event hosted 18 mine rescue teams representing operations from Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango and Sonora and included a series of competitive tests that included: Underground Mine Rescue, First Aid, Benchman and Gasman among others.
The Pinos Altos team placed first overall in the Underground Mine Rescue challenge and second in the First Aid event.
Agnico Eagle’s Creston Mascota team, who participated in the Open Pit competition, placed third in their first aid event. Team member Rubén Lucero also placed second in the Benchman test – his second win in two years.
Mine rescue demands a great amount of effort, knowledge and coordination and teams train very hard to make it to competitions. Rescue teams practice on a weekly basis and based on their performance, are then selected to participate in the competition. A second crew is also selected to substitute in case the original crew is unable to compete.
Marco Perea, General Manager at the Pinos Altos and Creston Mascota Mines could not be more proud of the rescue teams for their excellent performance at this year’s competition.
“Being able to assist coworkers or people in the community in case of an emergency and knowing that our training can help save one or more lives is very rewarding,” said Marco. “This recognition encourages us to continue to promote a safe culture in our operations because their safety is also our safety.”
Congratulations to our Pinos Altos and Creston Mascota mine rescue teams for setting the gold standard in Mexican mine rescue!
What is the Benchman test?
Benching requires miners to inspect, assemble, dissemble and test a breathing apparatus (known as a BG 4) to ensure it’s in safe and proper working condition before going on an underground mine rescue mission. In case of an emergency, such as a toxic gas leak in the mine, this particular equipment will help save the miners lives.
See below for a list of the team members:
Jose Luis Carrillo Sepulveda, Paramedic, Pinos Altos & Creston Mascota Rescue Team Training Coordinator
Underground Mine Rescue (Pinos Altos)
Moisés Hernández Camuñez, Baseman, Ground Support and Bolter Operator
Edgar Chávez Paredes, Mapping and Surveying Ventilation Assistant Technical Services
Joel García Escudero, Co-Captain Underground Training
José Ignacio Galván Yebra, Gasman, Underground Scoop Tram Operator
Enrique Alejandro Juárez Moran, First Aid, Process Instrumentation Specialist
Juan José Rodríguez Chávez, Captain, Underground Mechanic
Erik Manríquez Domínguez, Support and Rock Mechanics Assistant Technical Services
Rubén Lucero Acosta, Benchman, Creston Mascota Maintenance Chief
First Aid (Pinos Altos)
Walter Bustillos Paredes, Captain, Bulldozer Operator
Jesús María Banda Chavarría, Operator in Training
Usvaldo Valdenea Rascón, Mill Operator
Erick Orona Sotelo, Underground Electrician
Luis Ángel Huereque Ponce, Drill Operator
First Aid (Creston Mascota)
Aaron Ledezma Chavez, Captain, Loader Operator
Rodolfo Chavez Navarro, Environmental Technician
Edith Tapia Palma, Lab Operator
Roque Félix Caraveo Estrada, Bulldozer Operator
Jose Francisco Tello Peña, Equipment Operator
Manuel H. Aranda Gutierrez, Paramedic
Benchman
Rubén Lucero Acosta, Benchman, Creston Mascota Maintenance Chief
Second Crew Underground Mine Rescue (Pinos Altos)
Daniel Ivan Herrera Gonzalez, Underground, Jumbo Operator
Juan Servín Ramos, Underground, Raisebore Operator
Jose Rene Serrano Barraza, Open Pit, 777-Truck Operator
Juan Socorro Loya Holguin, Process Maintenance, Welder
Benito Manjarrez Rascon, Process Plant, Detox Operator
Team Rankings from 2009-2015
2015
Pinos Altos: 3rd place in First Aid
2014
Pinos Altos: 1st place in Benchman
Creston Mascota: 2nd place in First Aid
2013
Pinos Altos: 1st place in Underground Mine Rescue; 1st place in Benchman
2012
Pinos Altos: 2nd place in Underground Rescue; 1st place in Benchman
2011
Pinos Altos: 2nd place in Benchman
2009
Pinos Altos: 1st place in Benchman; 2nd place in First Aid