Janie Blanchette and Fanny Laporte, Agnico Eagle & Diamonds in the Rough
Can women go head-to-head with men in a global mine rescue competition?
One that requires them to flip a 260-pound tire, carry a 135-pound dummy for over 60 metres across a relay finish line, work underground wearing respiratory protection gear for many hours, and treat and carry out four victims of a mock-explosion site with five crew members?
The answer is a resounding YES!
The world’s first all-female mine rescue team – who are also all from Canada – placed 15th overall out of 25 teams (from 12 different countries) at the International Mine Rescue Competition held this past September in Russia. Not only that, but they captured the imagination of the audience, winning the People’s Choice Award in a country where it is still illegal for women to work in underground mines.
Collectively known as “Diamonds in the Rough”, we are extremely proud to announce that this special team included Agnico Eagle’s own Fanny Laporte, an Environmental Technician at Meadowbank and team Vice-Captain and firefighter, and Janie Blanchette, a Nurse at Goldex and the team’s official medic. They were joined by equally skilled and talented team mates who hailed from the Diavik Diamond Mine, Hudbay Minerals, Cameco and Levit Safety.
The Diamonds in the Rough team competed in seven categories including an underground scenario, firefighting, first aid, written exam and the mine rescue relay race in Ekaterinburg, a city located near the Ural Mountains, from September 22nd to 29th.
According to Janie, “It was exciting to be competing at this level and to celebrate all that women can achieve. In fact, many of our competitors told us we were an inspiration and that they were going home to encourage their daughters to consider a job in mining. I think that is why we got a standing ovation when we accepted the People’s Choice award. They wanted to say to the world, ‘women rock and diversity is welcome in the global mining industry’.”
Fanny adds, “It was a very tough but rewarding experience. We had 10 days of hard physical training in Saskatoon, which helped us build team spirit and strength. But before we even travelled out west, I focused on my physical and mental preparation with the help of some Meadowbank colleagues. Agnico Eagle really encouraged and supported our journey. They ensured we had the logistical, scheduling and financial support we needed to compete on the international stage. I am very proud to work for this great company.”
On behalf of the entire Agnico Eagle team we would like to congratulate Janie and Fanny and the Diamonds in the Rough team on their performance on the international stage! We are intensely proud of you and your achievement and so pleased to have had the opportunity to support the team and showcase the fantastic work they are doing.
Interested in seeing the team in action? Be sure to check out the competition highlights and Instagram pictures here!