IMRB HISTORY

The deaths of six mine rescuers in February 1998 to heat stress at the Niwka-Modrejow coal mine in southern Poland led to the birth of the International Mines Rescue Body.

Determined to understand and prevent the tragedy from reoccurring, Polish mining officials hosted a conference in Bytom, near the site of the catastrophe, in May 2000 to discuss mine rescue procedures and research in harsh microclimates.

At the conference, participants discussed the need for additional international cooperation on mine rescue issues and developed a proposal to establish an on-going international mine rescue organization….

 

THE CASE FOR “IMRB”

Without an international body such as “IMRB”, several complications and barriers exist:

ISOLATION

Individual jurisdictions are isolated from each other because of distance, unfamiliarity with other programs and language.

DUPLICATION OF EFFORT

When acting in isolation, individual jurisdictions may invest significant portions of their budgets to create programs or products that already exist in other jurisdictions.

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES FOR INFLUENCE

When jurisdictions are isolated, there is a missed opportunity to leverage influence with lawmakers and standard setters, to leverage purchasing power with product suppliers, and to influence the development of new products.

MISSED OPPORTUNITY FOR HELP/BENEVOLENCE

When acting in isolation, individual jurisdictions do not know where expertise is embedded around the world, and whom they might ask for help. Likewise, jurisdictions with expertise have no mechanism for sharing, other than giving product and knowledge to enterprises who will not share it equitably.

VISION

A world in which all countries share knowledge and expertise related to Mines Rescue and Emergency services in such a manner that each may develop to its full potential.

MISSION

We will create a network of members across the world and facilitate collaboration providing knowledge and information, so that each member can enhance their capacity to save Miners and to safeguard the Health and Safety of Mine Rescuers. To the limit of our capacity, we will share our strengths and knowledge with those who seek our assistance, to contribute towards a strengthening of mine rescue across the world.

ROLES AND GOALS

FACILITATING

We will host groups, events and committees that bring members and participants together to address common problems. Additionally, we will provide guidance to our members regarding hosting conferences and competitions that will result in improved consistency of mine emergency and response capability.

BROKERING

On a case-by-case basis, we will connect those with a specific need to organizations or individuals with the relevant expertise. When the IMRB is contacted for assistance, every effort will be made to connect the request to a member who can share knowledge.

SUPPORT PROVIDED

1. From an independent and non-influential position, we will provide Standard setting bodies and Manufacturers with technical expertise as far reasonably practical, with the aim in mind to enhance the quality of mine rescue standards and equipment internationally. 2. To share mine rescue related information freely among members and others where appropriate.

KNOWLEDGE CREATION

We will encourage and assist research bodies to develop new knowledge on current and emerging issues that are identified by our members.

KNOWLEDGE SHARING

We will develop a world-recognized mine rescue knowledge hub that includes, standards, research, and best practices, and make such information easily accessible to our members.

FOUNDING STATEMENT

Representatives from United Kingdom, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, South Africa, Australia, and the United States of America, at meeting on 29 May 2001, in Ustroń-Jaszowiec, Poland, agreed to establish an International Mines Rescue Body with the purpose to promote mines rescue internationally, to improve mine rescue standards and improve emergency response capability.