Collaborative emergency response initiatives build strong connections among Maritime underground mine rescue teams

Published: Dec 05, 2023

In the Maritime region of Canada, where the underground mining industry is relatively small, Nutrien’s New Brunswick site collaborates annually with other diverse mining emergency response teams under the umbrella of the Nova Scotia – New Brunswick Mine Rescue Standards Committee for a mine rescue participation day.

The committee plays a fundamental role in promoting and participating in emergency response efforts that span these two provinces, aiming to improve knowledge and practices by facilitating cooperation among its members. They believe that mine rescue emergency exercises are an important fixture in the underground mining industry and provide a valuable training incentive for mine rescue workers and readiness for emergencies.

This joint training effort between New Brunswick’s and Nova Scotia’s mine emergency rescue teams arose from the understanding that the Maritime mining industry could benefit from consolidated resources when mine closures began in the area. This cooperative approach, with a different emergency response team from the participating provinces hosting the event each year, allows for a comprehensive mine rescue training program while accommodating variations in provincial mine regulations.

“Through this joint initiative, Nutrien not only contributes to building safer communities within its operational boundaries but also promotes our Culture of Care and a network of shared knowledge and resources for emergency response across the Maritime region,” says Doug Doney, General Manager, New Brunswick.

This year Nutrien hosted the mine rescue participation day, bringing together members from different mine rescue teams from diverse industries. The teams practice procedures applicable to any of the participating organizations, ensuring individuals are well-equipped to respond to emergencies in the neighboring area.

“We had emergency response members join us from a salt mine, a coal mine and a hydroelectric dam operation for our mine rescue participation day,” says Cyril MacNeil, Safety Coordinator, New Brunswick. “They were put to the test with four live fire training exercises on surface and an underground mock mine scenario with heavy smoke and live casualties, where all facets of mine rescue including search and rescue, firefighting, mine gases, ventilation and first aid.”

Teams intentionally mix during exercises to cultivate effective teamwork and a cohesive response force. This approach encourages learning over competition, allowing teams to witness diverse mining operations, understand available equipment and facilities, and interact with local community volunteers and first responders during the training event.

“This event is more like a training workshop than a competition, and the goal is to create an environment where teams work together and foster camaraderie,” says Cyril. "The goal is for each team member to share and learn in a field exercise the different training ideas, methods, and equipment. At the end of the day, new friendships are made, and team members can learn from their peers on other rescue teams.”

About our New Brunswick facility

Nutrien’s New Brunswick facility supplies approximately 500,000 metric tonnes per year of highway deicing salt to the Government of New Brunswick (and its highway service partners), the Government of Maine, USA, and several large local trucking companies/distributors.

This facility also supplies salt to the industrial salt market, year-round, and distributes potash brought in from our Saskatchewan mines to fertilizer plants in Atlantic Canada and Maine, USA.