IMRC 2026 in Zambia Showcases Global Mine Rescue Excellence and Advances Safety Standards
The 14th International Mine Rescue Competition (IMRC 2026), hosted in Zambia, has concluded in Livingstone, bringing together global mining teams in a high-level demonstration of emergency response skills and mine safety excellence.
The event combined competitive testing with a strong focus on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the shared goal of improving safety standards across the global mining industry.
General Manager of Kansanshi Mining Plc, Meiring Burger, emphasized the importance of prioritising human life over production.
“No production is worth any life. This competition is about strengthening mine safety across different spheres, and the infrastructure being developed will help build long-term capacity,” he said.
Minerals Regulation Coordinator Yotum Chulu noted that Zambia’s hosting of the event set a strong benchmark, with lessons from the competition expected to influence future safety practices and regulatory improvements globally.
Global participation and safety focus
The competition brought together teams from multiple continents, testing real-life emergency response capabilities under strict international standards.
Organisers said the event reinforced Zambia’s growing reputation as a hub for mine safety excellence.
Significant investments in training and infrastructure by host mines, including Kansanshi Mining Plc and Mopani Copper Mines, were highlighted as part of a long-term commitment to embedding safety culture in mining operations.
Competition results
- Rope Rescue: Australia (1st), Mopani Copper Mines Team B – Zambia (2nd), Appin Pitbulls – Australia (3rd)
- Skills and Obstacles: Shandong Energy – China (1st), Grosvenor Team – Australia (2nd), Glencore Kidd Operations – Canada (3rd)
- First Aid: Moranbah North – Australia (1st), Diamond Rought – Canada (2nd), Konkola Copper Mines – Zambia (3rd)
- Technician Category: Coal India (1st), Mopani Copper Mines – Zambia (2nd), China team (3rd)
- Underground Rescue: Singareni Coal Mine – India (1st), Coal India (2nd), Glencore Kidd Operations – Canada (3rd)
- Fire Rescue: Moranbah North – Australia (1st), Garuda Mining – Indonesia (2nd), Shandong Energy – China (3rd)
Overall standings
India’s Coal India emerged as the overall champion, followed by Mopani Copper Mines of Zambia in second place, and Glencore Kidd Operations of Canada in third.
The Zambia Chamber of Mines also recognised outstanding contributions from mine rescue personnel, including Eric Cousins of First Quantum Minerals’ Africa Group Safety team and Chris Hale of Kansanshi Mine Emergency Services.
Beyond competition
While medals and rankings highlighted technical excellence, organisers stressed that the true value of IMRC 2026 lay in international cooperation and shared learning.
As the event closed in Livingstone, participants reaffirmed a central message: the ultimate success of mine rescue lies not in competition results, but in saving lives and preventing future tragedies.
