BLACKSBURG (WSLS 10) - Seven teams from multiple states came to Blacksburg for the 49th annual Virginia Mining Institute's mine rescue competition.
This event presents teams with an emergency situation such as a missing or injured miner, a collapsed structure or poor air conditions.
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Judges score the participants for skill, technique and timing. The rescuers do not know what challenge they will face until they are out in the field.
Last year, there were 20 teams participating. Two years ago, there were 42 teams. Organizers say this decrease reflects the current decline of the coal mining industry, but they must continue to train for safety
Organizers say the decline could prevent them from holding their 50th competition next year.