Background

The International Mines Rescue Competition (IMRC) was created as a result of a tragic accident that took the lives of 6 mine rescuers in February 1998 at the Niwka-Modrejow coal mine in southern Poland. The follow-up investigation and inquiry revealed that the Poland needed to ensure highest mines rescue standards are being met and ensure this kind of event is never repeated again.  It was felt that Polish rescuers should evaluate their performance against other mines rescue jurisdictions in the world and this should be in the form of a competition.

 Representatives from the Polish State Mining Authority (WUG) and Central Mines Rescue Station (CSRG) in Bytom met with representatives of MSHA in the USA who had been hosting competition for approximately 100 years.  The USA agreed to host an international competition in conjunction with their National Mines Rescue Contest.