Virginia Energy Mine Rescue Team
Pictured (L to R): Ken Johnson, Rusty Ward, Spencer Lee, Danny Mullins, Anthony Sturgill, Dennis Honaker (Poking his head in the back there), Joey Musick, Shannon Moore, Andy Sawyers, Vernon Johnson, Jr., Will Altizer and Chris Whitt. Not pictured: Willie Cochran
Virginia Energy started a mine rescue team in 2016. It is the first state team in the Commonwealth's history and will provide emergency response to all underground coal mines in Virginia. Services will also be offered to mineral mines. Watch Video »
Over 250 mine rescue teams are certified to perform rescue operations across the United States. These teams are called upon for some of the most difficult emergency response situations across our country. They must travel underground, in the dark, perhaps crawling into danger they cannot see, avoiding poisonous gas, explosions and debris, to find and retrieve their lost and fallen comrades. See Past Contests and Problems here »
The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act) requires that "every operator of an underground mine shall assure the availability of mine rescue capability for purposes of emergency rescue and recovery" of trapped or injured miners. Learn more »
Mine operators are required, except where alternate compliance is permitted such as for small operators or special circumstances, to establish or enter into an arrangement for services of atleast two teams, within a two hour radius, which are available at all times. These teams are always ready to deploy when needed!
Virginia now has the best in communication with the purchase of an IWT system thanks to grant from the Mine Safety and Health Administration. The system syncs to MSHA's. In addition, the mine rescue team has added R-2 to their ranks for quicker response time. Watch Video »
Mine rescue teams train and compete, using MSHA-recognized rules, across the United States, culminating in a national competition. Mine rescue contests are essential to the training of a rescue team. The team receives realistic hands-on exposure to scenarios they might encounter during an actual crisis. It is important that the team hone their skills so that they are prepared in an emergency!
October 30th is National Mine Rescue Day. This date was set aside in 2013 to recognize those who voluntarily put themselves in danger for the safety of their fellow miners. Join us in proudly honoring these men and women.
2024 Harlan County Safety Days
