The annual Rescue Team Competition took place in Sobin, bringing together seventy-four rescuers from all of KGHM Polska Miedź SA’s mining facilities. The event marked the 24th edition of the competition, which serves as a test of knowledge and skills for those responsible for employee safety at KGHM.
Marcin Górski, General Director of KGHM’s Mine and Smelter Rescue Unit (MSRU), commented on the purpose behind the event: “Our aim is to continuously strengthen competences and exchange experiences between our teams. This is extremely important both during our training and in rescue operations under conditions of real danger.” He further explained, “Teams consisting of mine rescuers and firefighters from all divisions of the MSRU participate in the competition. The formula that has been adopted over the years shows that the key to success, in addition to knowledge, skills and experience, is trust and cooperation within the team.”
Participants competed across six categories: rescue crossfit, rescue knowledge, rescue equipment mechanics, pre-medical first aid, high-altitude activities using mountaineering techniques, and fitness tasks replicating a rescue operation. These categories reflect the complexity involved in mine rescue work and highlight the broad range of expertise required.
Górski added that beyond individual performance, “The competition is not only a place for competing in team and individual categories, but also an excellent opportunity to test the validity of the organisational and technical solutions introduced. Our aim is to prepare rescuers as well as possible for the extremely difficult and demanding conditions that accompany their underground operations.”
KGHM’s commitment to health and safety includes strategic investments in infrastructure. This year’s competition utilized facilities at the Medical and Altitude Training Centre—commissioned by KGHM’s Mine and Smelter Rescue Unit earlier this year—which offers advanced training environments for working at height, confined spaces such as wells or chambers, emergency evacuation procedures on various surfaces like roofs or cranes, as well as simulated storage tank scenarios designed specifically for mine rescuers’ needs.
These ongoing efforts are intended to ensure high standards among KGHM’s rescue teams who have consistently ranked among Poland’s best due to their training programs supported by company investment.
