The International Mines Rescue Competition (IMRC) 2026 has officially commenced, with participating teams now assembled in Zambia’s key mining towns of Mufulira and Solwezi.
Hosted at Mopani Copper Mines and Kansanshi Mining Plc respectively, the competition places mine safety at the forefront, bringing together elite rescue teams from across the world to demonstrate preparedness, precision, and professionalism in high risk environments.
Teams have been divided into two groups for the first phase of the competition. Group A is conducting its simulations at the Mopani Central Training Centre in Mufulira, while Group B is competing at Kansanshi Copper Mines in Solwezi. These practical exercises are designed to test real-life emergency response capabilities, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to protecting lives.
On April 30, 2026, teams will exchange venues, marking the start of the second phase of the competition scheduled for May 1–2, 2026. This rotation ensures that all participants are exposed to varied mining conditions, strengthening their adaptability and operational readiness.
The competition will conclude with a closing ceremony and gala dinner in Livingstone on May 5, 2026, celebrating excellence, resilience and a shared global commitment to mine safety.
At its core, IMRC 2026 is a reminder that while mining drives economic growth, safety remains the industry’s highest priority.
