Rize hosts 4th Mine Rescue Competition with 13 professional teams

The 4th Mine Rescue Competition, organized by the Turkish Miners Association (TMD), has commenced in Rize, Turkey. Hosted by Çayeli Copper Operations Co. (Çayeli Bakır İşletmeleri A. Ş.) and supported by the Rize Municipality and Governor's Office, the four-day event runs from September 22 to September 25, 2026.

Thirteen professional rescue teams from leading mining companies are competing across six challenging categories: underground rescue, fire, earthquake, chemical response, vehicle accidents, and team competency. While underground and earthquake drills take place at the Çayeli copper mine site, other stages are held in public areas within Rize city center.

Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Abdullah Tancan emphasized that the event serves as a vital platform for solidarity and training rather than just a competition, allowing teams to share expertise and improve disaster response capabilities. TMD Chairman Mehmet Yılmaz noted the event's growth from five teams in its inaugural year to thirteen today, highlighting its increasing international presence. The competition includes observers from Azerbaijan, Greece, South Africa, and Zambia.