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Penn State Mine Rescue, Industry Partners, and SME By Susan B. Bealko, Chair, SME Pittsburgh Section Penn State mine rescue, a collegiate activity in which there is 100% SME student membership, is showing great progress and increasing in momentum. Under the leadership of Dr. Larry Grayson, (SME student chapter faculty sponsor, professor of Energy & Mineral Engineering; and George H. Jr. and Anne B. Deike Chair in Mining Engineering), the Penn State mine rescue team has demonstrated a passion to become proficient in mine rescue and emergency response. In just under two years of being formed, the team is performing very well at professional mine rescue competitions. Students are learning skills that help them recognize the importance of mining health and safety. An industry partnership was formed that enabled the Penn State mine rescue team to be furnished with equipment and supplies, receive specialized training, and be provided with funding, leadership, and opportunities. Dräger Safety donated the team’s BG-4 breathing apparatus and CSE provided specialized BG-4 training. Rosebud Mining provided uniforms. Other supporting organizations including CONSOL Energy Inc, Alpha Natural Resources, PA DEP, Mine Training and Technology Center (MTTC), NIOSH Office of Mine Safety and Health Research, Pittsburgh Coal Mining Institute of America (PCMIA), and the SME Pittsburgh Section provided additional equipment, mentoring, and training opportunities. The next big event for the Penn State mine rescue team is in conjunction with the 2011 SME Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado. The Colorado School of Mines and The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety are hosting the “1st Biennial Collegiate MERD (Mine Emergency Response Development Exercise) and Edgar Mine Rescue Challenge Events.” Penn State will compete against other collegiate mine rescue teams in both a MERD on Thursday, February 24 and mine rescue challenge events on Friday, February 25. The challenge events are open to SME student members; all are welcome, no mine rescue team experience is necessary. For more information, please email cosmith@mymail.mines.edu for registration forms and further information about these events The formation of the Penn State mine rescue team is just one example of a successful collaboration from groups that care about the future of mining. Supporting SME student activities is a great way for SME local sections to demonstrate their support and provide mentoring to new mining professionals. It also provides opportunities to create industry partnerships and offer unique learning opportunities. Please consider getting involved with SME student activities within your local or regional area; it is a rewarding experience.
Kent Armstrong, Dräger Safety sales manager NAFTA, teaches Penn State mine rescue students about the Dräger BG-4 breathing apparatus.
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