Agnico Eagle is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of its Mine Rescue Team at the 2024 International Mine Rescue Competition (IMRC), which took place in Colombia. Competing against the world’s finest, our team showcased exceptional skill, resilience, and camaraderie, bringing home the title of Overall Champion in what can only be described as an extraordinary performance. This victory highlights the strength of our teams and Agnico Eagle’s commitment to mine safety and rescue excellence on the global stage.

The International Mine Rescue Competition (IMRC) is a highly regarded global event organized by the International Mine Rescue Body (IMRB) to promote mine rescue operations at the international level and to improve mine rescue knowledge and practices through global cooperation.

As a member of the International Mines Rescue Body (IMRB), Colombia hosted the 13th edition of the competition from September 15th to 21st, 2024. This prestigious event brought together 21 mine rescue teams from across the world, representing countries such as Zambia, China, India, Australia, Vietnam, and Canada, to showcase their expertise in mine rescue operations.

The IMRC emphasizes critical safety protocols through intense, physically and mentally demanding tests related to underground mining rescues. Competing teams are evaluated on their performance in rescue simulations, first aid challenges, and advanced equipment usage, all while adhering to the highest safety standards.

Agnico Eagle’s Mine Rescue Team

Representing Canada, the Agnico Eagle Mine Rescue Team was comprised of skilled individuals from the Meadowbank Complex and the Meliadine mine and Hope Bay project. The team was led by Eric Marcotte, Health and Safety Superintendent, Meliadine mine. Competing in seven challenging events, the team demonstrated exceptional collaboration, discipline, and professionalism, earning them third place in the First Aid event and the title of Overall Champion.

Team members included:

  • Christopher Pitre (Captain)
  • Marc-Andre Coutu
  • Charles Belanger
  • Joel Fournier
  • Kevin Lalonde
  • David Ayotte
  • Morgan Leon Hjorth
  • Philippe Beaudoin
  • Patricio Maximiliano Iglesias
  • Geoffrey Paul Neville 

Exemplary Sportsmanship and Teamwork

The Agnico Eagle team’s success was not only in their performance but also in their exemplary sportsmanship. During the competition, it became evident that several international teams lacked experience with rope rescue equipment. Demonstrating true camaraderie, our team generously volunteered their time and expertise, training these teams on proper equipment use and sharing resources, including providing rope gloves to those without.

This gesture went beyond competition, forming bonds of mutual respect and admiration. The generosity of Agnico Eagle’s team left a lasting impression, with other competitors eager to sit with them at formal events, reinforcing the spirit of unity in the competition.

As Agnico Eagle Chair of the Board, Sean Boyd stated “[…] it is awesome and not surprising. As leaders of this company, we take great pride and comfort in knowing that our people go out of their way every day to do what is right and to respect everyone”.

Recognition on a Global Stage

The team’s remarkable conduct and performance solidified their place as global leaders in mine rescue operations. The International Mine Rescue Body recognized their exceptional skill, professionalism, and generosity throughout the competition. Colombia’s successful hosting of the event, coupled with Agnico Eagle’s leadership, underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing global mine safety standards.

“This was a once in a lifetime opportunity and the team did their absolute best to represent Agnico Eagle and our country to the best of their ability. This has been the proudest I have been to be an Agnico Eagle employee since I joined the company,” shared Geoffrey Neville.

Agnico Eagle’s Commitment to Excellence

At Agnico Eagle, we place mine safety and rescue training at the heart of our operations, and this win reflects our dedication to the highest standards of preparedness. Our team’s success at the IMRC reinforces Agnico Eagle’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence in safety, training, and international cooperation.

Congratulations to the entire Mine Rescue Team for this monumental achievement!