Only five teams representing USA, Canada, Russia, Ukraine and Poland participated at the 1st International Mines Rescue Competition. The rules used for this event were the based on the same rules as the National Coal Mine contest.
The following was the mission statement for the 1st IMRC:
To promote and enhance mine rescue capabilities worldwide; mine rescue teams from various countries will participate in the first “International Mine Rescue Contest.” This international competition will provide a forum for the exchange of ideas in a number of areas, including rescue techniques, training, apparatus and gas detection equipment. The training and exchange of information will better prepare rescue teams to work in rescue and recovery efforts, enhancing both the level of safety for the teams and for miners worldwide. This event establishes a foundation for future intercontinental mine rescue contests.
The winner was the USA team followed by Ukraine in Second and Russia coming third.
