Around the Company in Pictures: International Mine Rescue Competition

May 23, 2025 - A Freeport-sponsored collegiate team recently captured second place in a competition that tests the ability of mining professionals to rescue their colleagues who are in harm’s way.

The Colorado School of Mines finished second among nine collegiate teams that participated in the 2025 International Mine Rescue Competition, which presented a series of intense, real-world mine rescue challenges. In addition to finishing second overall, the Colorado School of Mines captured first place in the Team Tech Operations and second in the Underground Rescue categories.

The competition spanned three days across two primary locations. At the Colorado School of Mines’ Edgar Experimental Mine in Idaho Springs, Colorado, challengers tackled underground problem-solving tasks, including rope rescue in smoked and confined spaces. Meanwhile, at the Colorado School of Mines campus in Golden, Colorado, participants competed in medical response, technical team operations and BG-4 benching – a process facilitated by software that allows mine rescue personnel to inspect and ensure their breathing apparatuses are functioning properly for hazardous conditions.

The Freeport-McMoRan Foundation recently contributed $1 million to the Colorado School of Mines’ Edgar Experimental Mine program, which helps support hands-on learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Thanks to the resources and near real-world environment provided by the Edgar Mine, students can gain invaluable practical experience in a safe and controlled environment, while also having the opportunity to host events such as the International Mine Rescue Competition.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of Freeport,” said Raymond Tsukada, a former summer intern at Freeport and a member of the Colorado School of Mines rescue team. “Their support has helped provide students with invaluable training experiences and prepare them to advance in the mining industry.”

In the photos (clockwise from top left): A team returns after completing a full mine exploration and underground rescue; a participant rescues a survivor from a stope, using the skills learned to safely lower the individual to ground level; a team trains for the high-angle rope rescue, with the Idaho Springs as its backyard; another team trains for the high-angle rope rescue; teams are placed in a simulation where they are required to search for survivors in low-visibility conditions caused by dim lighting and smoke; participants learn how to properly operate and maintain the BioPak 240R breathing apparatus.