November 3, 2016 - University of Kentucky, Virginia Tech and West Virginia University student mine rescue teams met October 29 for the Virginia Mining Institute Fall 2016 SME - Eastern Collegiate Mine Rescue Organization Contest.

Thanks to all for the work they did to make this event possible. Buchanan Mining LLC, Virginia Mining Institute, Commonwealth of Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing employees who helped in the smoke exercise, Commonwealth of Virginia – Randy Moore, Chief of the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy. Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy employees who helped in numerous capacities. West Virginia Miner's Health, Safety and Training - Danny Spratt, West Virginia Miner's Health, Safety and Training employees who helped in numerous capacities. The individuals of the SME - Eastern Collegiate Mine Rescue Organization who in some instances donate their own time and spend their own money to make this organization move forward.

"Special Thanks" to the Virginia Mining Institute for providing the First, Second and Third place trophies for the event. "Special Thanks" to Judy Horne - Virginia Mining Institute for taking pictures on Friday will the students were touring Buchanan Mine and pictures all day Saturday during competition. "Special Thanks" to Debra Hornbarger Hager for spending her Saturday taking pictures of the students competing. "Special Thanks" to Rex Penn - Buchanan Mining LLC for the work he did behind the scene to make the Smoke Exercise better! "Special Thanks" to Dale Keene - Virginia Mining Institute, for supplying Ice and Chips for this event. "Special Thanks" to Kenny Richardson - Virginia Mining Institute, for supplying soda for this event.