Britannia Mine Museum 2024 Summer Exhibit: Rock Solid - Safety in Mines

For immediate release

Britannia Mine Museum’s Summer Exhibit Highlights the Evolution of Mine Safety Practices

“Rock Solid: Safety in Mines”

Britannia Beach, BC (June 5, 2024) – The Britannia Mine Museum welcomes visitors to check out their new summer exhibit, Rock Solid: Safety in Mines, which explores the fascinating world of mine safety and its innovative transformation throughout the years. The exhibit launches just in time for the 2024 BC Provincial Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition which takes place on Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8 at the Museum.

The Rock Solid: Safety in Mines exhibit delves deep into the evolution of safety practices that have shaped the mining industry. From the perilous early days of mining to the cutting-edge innovations of today and beyond, this exhibit illuminates the relentless pursuit of safety beneath the earth's surface and its profound impact on miners' lives and the industry at large.

Experience this immersive exhibition with photographs, objects, and videos drawn from the Museum’s collection, which offers a glimpse into the past, present, and future of mine safety. The exhibit sheds light on the never-ending search for safety within the mining industry, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to protect those who work beneath the earth's surface.

“The Britannia Mine has hosted many regional mine safety competitions throughout its history and this year, the Museum is hosting the BC Provincial Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition, where elite mine rescue workers from all over the province can showcase their highly specialized skills and training,” says Laura Minta Holland, Curator of Collections and Engagement of the Britannia Mine Museum. “It made the most sense for our feature exhibit to focus on this important topic of mine safety, and highlight the important role these elite mine

rescue workers serve as first responders, and the innovations that have transformed safety practices throughout the years.”

The Rock Solid: Safety in Mines exhibit features five captivating areas:

· Doctors’ Office: Explore the medical advancements that have aided miners in times of need.

· Mine Rescue, First Aid Training, and Competitions: Witness the bravery and skill of those dedicated to saving lives underground.

· Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Delve into the evolution of protective gear and its crucial role in safeguarding miners.

· Underground Safety: Discover the evolving techniques and protocols designed to keep miners safe in hazardous environments.

· Future Mine Safety Technology: Peer into the future of mine safety with cutting-edge technologies poised to revolutionize the industry.

Located 45 minutes north of Vancouver on the picturesque Sea-to-Sky highway, the Britannia Mine Museum provides unique and memorable experiences that engage visitors of all ages. Visitors can enjoy fun exhibits and crowd favourites like the underground mine train, gold panning, the historic 20-storey concentrator Mill building and its BOOM! special effects show, the minerals and gem gallery, the gift shop and the Beaty Lundin Visitor Centre.

General admission tickets and annual memberships are available online at www.britanniaminemuseum.ca.

 About Britannia Mine Museum:

The Britannia Mine Museum is a mining legacy site and a vibrant, internationally recognized education and tourist destination located between Vancouver and Whistler on the Sea-to-Sky highway. It is a National Historic Site and a non-profit organization encouraging mining awareness through entertaining, experiential education programs and exhibits, important historic collection preservation and insightful public engagement that allows guests to leave with a better understanding of mining in BC; past, present and future. www.britanniaminemuseum.ca

Facebook: @BritanniaMineMuseum

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Media contact: Yvonne Chiang, 604-880-5090, ychiang@bcmm.ca