Doe Run Achieves High Honors at Regional Mine Rescue Competitions

St. Louis, MO (PRWEB) June 23, 2012

The Doe Run Company recently received the prestigious first-place trophy at the 42nd Southern Regional Mine Rescue Classic in New Iberia, La. During the May 8 – 10 competition, 16 of the top mine rescue teams in the nation were tested in three major categories: field, first-aid and a team technician challenge. The Maroon Team’s performance during the field problem surpassed all other participants.

“The field test is the most important part of the competition,” said Dan King, safety specialist and mine rescue team trainer at Doe Run. “As part of the field test, team members complete a written exam and a mine disaster scenario involving first aid, gas testing, breathing apparatuses and advanced problem solving skills. The team undergoes this realistic challenge within a specified time limit, which can be extremely challenging for even the most experienced mine rescuers.”

The Maroon Team includes Team Captain Steve Setzer and members Shawn Pratt, Richie Brewer, Luke Davis, Denny Dickerson, Andrew Hampton, Isaiah Henseler, Jarrad Tackett and Steve Kearns.

In addition to the Maroon Team’s victory in New Iberia, Doe Run’s Gray Team participated in the Southwestern Regional Mine Rescue Contest on April 17 – 19 in Carlsbad, N.M. The Gray Team ranked third in the field problem and the first-aid problem.

“Our teams train at least eight hours every month to be able to handle mine emergencies like those we face in the mine rescue challenges,” said King. “Participating in these competitions enables our mine rescue teams to hone their skills should we ever face an emergency in our own mines.”

Captain Wayne Marlin led the Gray Team, which includes Randy Hill, Charlie Walker, James Gamblin, Brad Beck, Garry Moore, Robbie Vetter, Dennis Keene and Kenny Sherill. All members of Doe Run’s mine rescue teams participate on a voluntary basis.

Both the Maroon and Gray Teams will compete at the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s (MSHA) 2012 Metal/Nonmetal National Mine Rescue Contest on July 31 through August 2 in Reno, Nev.

Doe Run has frequently been recognized for top mine rescue performance. Among numerous other accolades at the regional and national level, Doe Run earned the national championship title at MSHA’s 2010 Metal/Nonmetal National Mine Rescue Contest.

Doe Run’s commitment to safe mining practices extends beyond its mine rescue teams. The company’s six underground lead mines, located in Missouri’s Viburnum Trend, have earned the National Mining Association’s (NMA) prestigious Sentinels of Safety award a combined 25 times since 1971, most recently earning this honor for the Sweetwater Mine and Mill in 2011.

Employees complete 40 hours of in-depth training on MSHA guidelines upon hire, and continue with follow-up training throughout their careers. Company-wide, it is estimated that employees took part in more than 15,000 hours of safety training in 2011.

Many of Doe Run’s mines are connected by miles of underground roadways and have a number of underground designated points of safety. These safe areas contain breathable air, drinking water, first-aid supplies and phones.

About The Doe Run Company
Based in St. Louis, The Doe Run Company is a privately held natural resources company and the largest integrated lead producer in the Western Hemisphere. Dedicated to environmentally responsible mineral and metal production, Doe Run operates one of the world’s largest, single-site lead recycling facilities located in Boss, Mo. The Doe Run Company and its subsidiary deliver products and services necessary to provide power, protection and convenience. Doe Run has operations in Missouri, Washington and Arizona. For more information, visit sustainability.doerun.com.

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Editor’s Note: E-mail amollett(at)standingpr(dot)com for a photo of Doe Run’s mine rescue teams.

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