Preparing for potential disasters is serious business in the mining industry. It’s also serious business at the University of Missouri-Rolla, the only university in the nation with a mine rescue team. 

The UMR Mine Rescue Team will compete against industry teams in the Southern Regional Mine Rescue Competition May 3-5 in New Iberia, La. The competition is sponsored by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).         

The competition features a simulated mine disaster, which is set up by MSHA. Teams are judged on how well they respond to the underground rescue problem. The scenario involves gas testing, first aid and maintaining breathing equipment.         

The following are members of UMR’s 2006 Mine Rescue Team:         

– Tyler Acorn, a senior in mining engineering from Waynesville, Mo.

– David Floyd, a senior in mining engineering from Easley, S.C.

– Ivan Howard, a freshman in mining engineering from Warrensburg, Mo.

– Margaret Howard, a freshman in mining engineering from Warrensburg, Mo.

– Adam Kresler, a senior in mining engineering from Winter Park, Colo.

– Sam McEwen, a senior in environmental engineering from Rolla

– John McWade, a freshman in mining engineering from Pevely, Mo.

– Matt Schuckenbrock, a senior in mining engineering from Louisiana, Mo.

– Brian Syers, a freshman in mining engineering from Omaha, Neb.