September 11, 2023 - Virginia Mining Institute (VMI) held its 56th Mine Rescue Competition on August 8, 9 and 10th in Blacksburg, VA with nine mine rescue teams, seven combination teams, seven first aid teams, thirteen BG4 contestants, four BioPak 240R contestants and nine preshift contestants competing for trophies in each event.  

Special thanks to all of the teams, individual participants and the companies for making this contest a success again this year. Congratulations to all of the team and individual trophy winners at this year's contest.  

The Grand Champion trophy went to Paramont Contura - Alpha, Paramont Contura team -Adam Phillips, Captain.  

First runner up was Wellmore Coal Company, Wellmore - Shannon Moore, Captain and Second runner up was Blackhawk Mining, LLC, Blackhawk WV - Brent Bender, Captain.

Thanks to all the judges from Ohio, WV and VA and a special thanks to all the volunteers for their assistance at this year's contest.  We couldn't have done it without you!

Virginia Mining Institute will hold its next meeting on Monday, September 18th beginning at 6:00 pm at V & V Restaurant in Richlands, VA.

Grand Champions - Alpha Paramont Contura Team