Ejendals and the 3rd Mine Rescue Competition: Promoting Safety in Turkey’s Mining Industry
In this article, we explore the 3rd Mining Rescue Competition in Turkey, where Ejendals returned as a sponsor for the second time. With 15 teams tackling challenging rescue scenarios, this year’s event emphasized the importance of safety and preparedness.
As the mining industry in Turkey faces growing safety challenges, the importance of preparedness cannot be overstated. This year, Ejendals took part in the 3rd Mining Rescue Competition as a platinum sponsor, marking the second consecutive time we’ve supported this life-saving event. The competition is not just about showing skill but about standardizing rescue responses to ensure lives are saved when accidents happen.
Gokhan Senses, Country Manager for Ejendals in Turkey, explains the deeper motivation behind our company’s sponsorship: "Our goal is to make Turkish mines safer. This event educates rescue teams on how to react swiftly and uniformly, which is crucial, especially in a region prone to earthquakes."
Gokhan Senses
Country Manager for Ejendals in Turkey, pictured on the right. General Manager of Çayeli Bakır İşletmeleri A.Ş. on the left.
Video Highlights: Four Days of Intense Rescue Challenges
To give you a closer look at the event, we’ve included a video that captures highlights from the four competition days, held from September 17-20, 2024. While it offers just a glimpse of the intense scenarios the teams faced, the footage shows their remarkable efforts during the rescue challenges, from underground fires to hazardous material incidents. Watch as these teams, equipped with Ejendals' protective gear, put their skills to the test in this crucial event.
Essential Protective Gear: JALAS and TEGERA for Mining Rescue
During the competition, several teams relied on Ejendals’ JALAS safety shoes and TEGERA gloves, which are designed for high-risk environments like mining rescue. These products provide essential protection, comfort, and durability, helping rescue teams perform their duties safely and efficiently. We’ve highlighted seven models of JALAS safety shoes, along with six glove models and a protective sleeve, all tailored for the demands of mining.
For more information on the range of products suitable for the mining industry, visit Ejendals’ industry page for mining here.
Growing Participation and Increased Trust in Ejendals’ Gear
The 2024 competition featured 15 teams, a significant growth from 2022, when only 10 teams participated. Rescue scenarios included car accidents, underground fires, hazardous material spills, and earthquake responses—vital skills for those working in high-risk environments. The increase in participation is a testament to the rising recognition of the competition’s importance.
What makes us particularly proud this year is the widespread use of Ejendals’ products. In 2022, only one team used JALAS Safety Shoes 1828 and TEGERA Cut Protection Gloves 8815. However, in 2024, 10 out of the 15 teams were equipped with JALAS Safety Shoes or TEGERA Safety Gloves. This leap shows that our products are trusted by those who put their lives on the line, which aligns perfectly with Ejendals’ mission to improve safety in hazardous environments.
The importance of rescue preparedness became all too real in early 2023, when Turkey was struck by a devastating earthquake. "The earthquake cost many lives and caused massive destruction," Gokhan reflects, while remembering this terrible time. "But it was heartening to see some of the teams from the 2022 competition on-site, actively saving lives. And these brave men and women were wearing protective gear from Ejendals."
Product Recommendations for Mining Rescue
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JALAS® ZENIT 2728
Boot with C² Climate Control system
Premium boot designed to keep feet warm and dry with Thinsulate and Climate insole.
JALAS® HEAVY DUTY 1358
A tough, water-repellent mid-cut safety boot featuring highest (S3) protection with unique BOA® Fit System.
JALAS® EXALTER 9998 GTX
A GORE-TEX boot for medium cold winters
A waterproof safety boot with GORE-TEX, ideal for a wet and medium cold season.
JALAS® GRAN PREMIO 1828 JUPITER
A tough , comfortable mid-cut safety boot with highest (S3) protection for the toughest outdoor conditions.
TEGERA® PRO 9183
Anti-vibration with wrist support
For very heavy work that requires extra protection of the hands and wrists.
TEGERA® INFINITY 8815
Thin nitrile dipped cut F
Great fingertip sensitivity, palm dipped. For precision work in dry environments.
JALAS® GRAN PREMIO 1938 GP META
With metatarsal impact protection
The XRD® M-Guard on the top is for those in need of extra protection.
JALAS® GRAN PREMIO 1508 GP
For the really tough conditions
When ordinary safety shoes are not enough, this high-cut boot with BOA® will do the job.
TEGERA® PRO 9295
Ergonomic with extra wrist support
Synthetic leather glove for work that require extra protection for the wrist.
TEGERA® PRO 9205
Extra protection for palm and knuckles
Designed for handheld tools and high durability.
JALAS® FIRE 1578 FIRE & RESCUE
Heat resistance safety boot
Heat resistance safety boot with nail protection in steel and toecap in aluminium.
TEGERA® 73
Sleeve with the highest cut resistance
CRF® technology and stainless-steel fibre yarn. Unique hand-attachment. Food approved.
TEGERA® CHEMFORCE 7363
3 strong protections in one glove
Chemical, heat and cut protection glove with non-slip finish for extra grip.
TEGERA® PRO 9137
A breathable favourite
Ergonomic and breathable winter glove, water and wind-repellent with touchscreen functionality.
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A Brief History of Turkey's Mine Rescue Competition
The Mine Rescue Competition itself has a relatively short history in Turkey. The first event, held in 2019, saw just five teams compete at the Tüprag Efemçukuru Gold Mine. Over time, the competition has grown in scope and significance. This year, the third edition of the competition continued to push the boundaries of rescue team preparedness under the supervision of international referees.
At Ejendals, we are proud to be part of this vital initiative. Not only does it provide an opportunity to showcase the strength and resilience of Turkey’s mine rescue teams, but it also offers a platform to improve safety standards in an industry that so desperately needs it. By sponsoring this competition, we hope to continue making an impact on mine safety and contributing to the protection of those who work in these dangerous environments.