2013 Southeast Regional Mine Rescue Contest

The Doe Run Company (Doe Run) recently received the prestigious first-place field trophy and the competition’s best overall award at the fifth annual Southeastern Regional Mine Rescue Contest June 18–20 in Maysville, Ky.

The competition included 11 of the top mine rescue teams in the nation.  Teams were tested in three major categories: field, first aid and a team technician challenge.

Doe Run’s Maroon Team won the best overall performance for the field competition, which includes both a written test and simulated field challenge.

After completing the written test, all members of the rescue team worked together to solve a skill test involving the location and rescue of trapped miners from a staged emergency situation.

“The field competition provides us with a realistic and challenging situation that can be difficult for even the most experienced mine rescuers,” said Steve Setzer, captain of Doe Run’s Maroon Team.  “The dedication and performance of our team members demonstrates they will respond to the best of their ability if, and when, we need them.”

Outside of the field trial, a two-member team competes in technical tests to measure expertise in working with breathing apparatus and gas-level monitoring.

First-aid teams of three members also can compete in medical tests that measure the ability to correctly assess a medical emergency and provide first aid and transportation for a victim.

Doe Run, which operates six mines in southeast Missouri, has two mine rescue teams, the Maroon Team and the Gray Team.  Earlier this year, the Gray Team competed in the Southwest Regional Competition in Taos, Nev.

Doe Run mine rescue teams train at least eight hours every month on a voluntary basis, and both teams will compete in the national Mine Rescue Competition July 30 in Reno, Nev.

Doe Run’s Maroon Team is the reigning national mine rescue champion for the Metal/Nonmetal category.  The team includes Captain Steve Setzer and members Shawn Pratt, Richie Brewer, Luke Davis, Denny Dickerson, Andrew Hampton, Isaiah Henseler and Jarrad Tackett.

“While we have two teams that compete, we are really one team when it comes to a real-life situation,” Setzer continued.  “Competitions help us hone our skills.”

Doe Run’s six underground lead mines, located in Missouri’s Viburnum Trend, have earned the National Mining Association (NMA) prestigious Sentinels of Safety award 25 times since 1971, most recently earning this honor for the Sweetwater Mine and Mill in 2011.

Doe Run’s mines are consistently recognized as some of the safest in the world.

Employees complete 40 hours of in-depth training on MSHA guidelines upon hire, and continually train throughout their careers.  Companywide, employees undergo more than 15,000 hours of safety-related training annually.