Top of their class: Nutrien teams challenge their peers at the 56th SMA Emergency Response Mine Rescue Skills Competition

These are the people you want coming to your aid during an emergency. They train as though every scenario is real, and it all leads to this face-off. 

The Saskatchewan Mining Association’s 56th annual Emergency Response Mine Rescue Skills Competition is where all that training culminates once a year. 

There are accolades to be won, but what stands out most is the mutual respect across the industry – from potash to uranium, gold and coal. Teams come together to test their skills, learn from one another, and push each other to improve. 

“Prior to my time at Nutrien, I was a firefighter paramedic, and I’ve always had a passion for emergency response,” says Ford Leggott, ERT Safety Coordinator at Nutrien’s Lanigan potash mine. “Our medical skills are called on most often – whether responding to an injury or a medical emergency. We’re also trained to prevent and respond to fires. Our last one was seven years ago, which speaks to how seriously safety is taken.” 

At Nutrien’s operations, the focus is always on safety and prevention. Still, teams prepare for the unexpected – training with the mindset that a real event could happen at any time.

“Nutrien is a very safe place to work, both underground and on surface,” says Ford. “But risk can’t be eliminated entirely, so we make sure we’re ready. We understand the environment, and we know what to do.” 

Nutrien entered teams from all six of its potash operations. Allan, Cory, Lanigan, Rocanville, and Vanscoy teams competed in the underground category, while Patience Lake represented the company in the surface competition. 

Across events, from first aid and firefighting to rope rescue and complex surface scenarios – teams demonstrated exceptional skill, coordination and focus.

For underground teams, the “mine problem” is one of the most demanding challenges. Competitors aren’t told what scenario they will face in advance and often must navigate multiple issues at once. 

“I’m always impressed with the level of competition and the commitment our mine rescue teams bring to their training,” says Les Frehlich, General Manager at Nutrien’s Allan potash mine. “While the competition is a lot of fun, it ultimately prepares us to protect our people and our operations. Our teams are well prepared to do that for real.” 

Congratulations to all teams across Saskatchewan who competed and demonstrated exceptional skills, teamwork and commitment. 

“We’re a tight-knit group. We cheer each other on, even while competing,” says Ford. “It’s like being part of a sports team – we support each other, celebrate wins, and sharpen the skills we need to keep our colleagues safe when it matters most.” 

A special congratulations to our Lanigan team for placing first overall in the underground category, and to our Cory team for earning runner-up honours.