Mine Rescue Oversight in Indiana
The Bureau of Mines and Mine Safety manages one composite state Mine Rescue Team and contracts with private teams to ensure the required two‑team coverage for Indiana’s four underground coal mines. The state composite team is made up of trained volunteers from Sunrise Coal’s Oaktown Fuels #1 and #2 mines, Gibson County Coal’s Gibson South Mine, and Peabody Midwest Mining’s Francisco Mine.
State Mine Rescue Station
Indiana operates a fully equipped mine rescue station at Vincennes University under the Bureau of Mines. The station includes a mobile mine rescue van that can service all rescue equipment and support two full mine rescue teams.
Other Mine Rescue Teams in Indiana
Indiana also has three private mine rescue teams:
* Sunrise Coal Mine Rescue Team
* Gibson County Coal’s Rescue Rhinos
* Peabody Midwest Mining’s Francisco Mine Rescue Team
These teams can assist one another during emergencies. The state composite team and contracted teams also stand ready to support them when needed. Mine rescue work is demanding and dangerous, and Indiana relies on skilled volunteers who are prepared to respond at any time.
Training Requirements
Federal regulations require each mine rescue team member to complete 96 hours of training each year. Training covers:
* Emergency mine scenarios
* Working in smoke
* Firefighting and hose management
* Breathing‑apparatus maintenance
* Hilti gun training
* CPR, first aid, and bloodborne‑pathogen safety
Teams meet monthly to maintain equipment and receive ongoing training updates.