Nine teams completed in the event from regional mines owned by Alliance Natural Resources, Peabody Midwest and Prosperity Mining.

First place went to Peabody Midwest’s Francisco mine, headed by captain Matt Kamman. In second was Alliance Coal’s Gibson County Rhinos mine rescue crew and captain Zack Brown.

Taking third place was Alliance Coal’s Riverview mine team, led by captain John Tow.

“The MCC/KCA skills contest is unique because it provides hands-on training skills for mine rescue teams,” MCC mine rescue training director Danny Knott said.

“The facilities at MCC are equipped with an underground mine simulator that can hold a live burn and smoke simulation in almost real mine conditions. Mine rescue team members love the ‘work and train’ hands-on method with their equipment.”

The events in last week’s competition included mine rescue emergency scenarios, firefighting, smoke, fire hose management, first aid, written tests, gas instruments calibration, and a breathing apparatus test.

The contest was sponsored by United Central, MEMSCO, Hibbs Electric and Warrior Coal.