Tennessee Mine Rescue Association

06/06/2026

A collection of our images taken during the 2026 KMI Mine Rescue Contest in Lexington, Kentucky, between May 31st - June 4th

06/03/2026

This Sunday, volunteer mine rescue teams from across Kentucky gather at Central Bank Center in Lexington for the State Mine Rescue Competition — six days of timed drills, first-aid events, and underground scenarios, May 31 through June 5. These are the highly trained men and women who stand ready to help their fellow miners and keep our communities safe. If you're near Lexington, stop in and cheer your county's team.

05/09/2026

Send a message to learn more

05/07/2026

“On Oct. 30, 1911, the first national mine rescue demonstration was held in the U.S. It was organized by Dr. Joseph A. Holmes, who in 1910 was appointed as the first director of the U.S. Bureau of Mines by President William Howard Taft. Holmes and Taft attended the inaugural event at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 2013, Oct. 30 was designated as National Mine Rescue Day.

Throughout our nation’s history, members of the mining community have been called upon to rescue their fellow miners from emergency situations in coal and metal and nonmetal mines, whether trapped by fires, explosions, roof falls, flooding or harmful gases. Over time, these mine rescuers have become better trained and organized, and the equipment they use has become more sophisticated.

Today, over 250 mine rescue teams are currently certified and equipped to perform mine rescue operations in the United States. They train and compete in mine rescue contests nationwide, culminating in national championships for coal and for metal and nonmetal mines, so they are ready to answer the call that they hope never comes. When they are called, these rescuers do not hesitate. They undertake some of the most difficult and risky emergency response work in this country, sometimes traveling miles in dark underground mines filled with debris and poisonous and explosive gases to find missing miners or recover those who did not survive.”

Read more on the history of Mine Rescue Teams: https://blog.dol.gov/2022/10/26/mine-rescue-teams-are-critical-to-mshas-mission

*Photo: U.S Department of Labor Blog

04/27/2026

Tennessee Mine Rescue Association endorses Congressman John Rose for Governor of Tennessee. Congressman Rose represents and supports the mining industry with aligned vision and interest of mining and minerals in Tennessee!

Vote Rose for Governor!

04/26/2026

04/23/2026

Little junk car derby standby action last Saturday!

04/19/2026

Stop the Fire In Its Tracks! won the Mine Safety & Health Administration Blue Ribbon of Excellence Award during the Training Materials Competition at the 202...