IMRB - International Mines Rescue Body

What IMRB - International Mines Rescue Body does

IMRB (International Mines Rescue Body) is a non-profit international organization founded in 2001 in Poland in direct response to a 1998 incident in which six mine rescuers lost their lives. It exists to formalize and accelerate knowledge sharing among national mine rescue organizations across borders, operating as the only dedicated international body for this purpose. The organization runs a recurring calendar of biennial international conferences and hosts the International Mines Rescue Competition (IMRC), which was formally absorbed into IMRB in 2019, alongside a member-access resources hub and a research/innovation platform covering training, standard operating procedures, and post-incident learnings.

IMRB serves 24 member nations, including major mining jurisdictions such as Australia, China, India, the United States, Canada, South Africa, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan, with recent additions (Turkey, Indonesia, Finland, DRC) in 2024 and Colombia having joined in 2019 as the first Latin American member. Russia is currently suspended. Governance is provided by a Board of Directors that includes Alex Gryska (Secretary Treasurer), Mannas Fourie, Alaster Wylie, Shawn Rideout, and Ted Hanley. The organization is supported by a small staff of 13 and delivers value primarily through in-person convenings, the IMRC competition, and a curated digital knowledge repository accessible to members.

IMRB's business model is membership-funded: the organization explicitly does not generate commercial revenue, and operations are sustained through member-nation contributions and conference-related fees. Its strategic positioning rests on the rarity of its mandate (mine rescue is a niche, high-stakes discipline), the network value of cross-border knowledge pooling, and the institutional credibility built over more than two decades of continuous operation. Upcoming milestones include the 2025 biennial conference in Austria and the 2026 IMRC competition in Zambia.

Name

IMRB - International Mines Rescue Body

Legal name

International Mines Rescue Body

Website

https://minerescue.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

IMRB (International Mines Rescue Body) is a non-profit founded in 2001 that serves as the global knowledge-sharing platform for national mine rescue organizations across 24 member nations, delivering biennial conferences, the IMRC competition, and a member resources hub.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Mining Safety and Emergency Response Association Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Humanitarian Coordination & Disaster Risk Reduction IGOs (BPADAAAE)

Keywords

• Mine rescue services
• Emergency response coordination
• Mining safety standards
• International rescue networking
• Mine rescue training

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

IMRB is a non-profit international association that connects national mine rescue organizations across 24 member nations to share knowledge, training methods, rescue techniques, and equipment standards. Its core offerings include biennial international conferences, the International Mines Rescue Competition (IMRC), a members-only resource hub with regulatory and training materials, a research and innovation platform, and networking opportunities that prevent duplication of effort and enable mutual aid across borders.

Product overview

IMRB is an informal international association representing mine rescue organizations from around the globe. The organization does not offer a traditional software product but provides a platform of services including biennial IMRB Conferences for knowledge sharing and networking, the International Mines Rescue Competition (IMRC) for testing emergency response capabilities, a Mines Rescue Resources Hub containing regulatory requirements and training materials, a Research and Innovation Platform, and a global Knowledge Sharing Network connecting mine rescue professionals across member nations. These services work together to improve mine rescue standards and emergency response capability worldwide.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• IMRB Conferences Biennial international conferences bringing together mine rescue professionals from around the world to share knowledge, present technical papers, conduct workshops, and network. Conferences include field visits to mines and rescue stations and serve as the primary knowledge exchange event for the global mine rescue community.
• International Mines Rescue Competition (IMRC) Biennial competition where mine rescue teams from member and non-member nations compete in various rescue scenarios to test and improve emergency response capabilities. Events include underground mine rescue, firefighting, ropes, first aid, theory, and technology challenges, serving as both evaluation tools and networking opportunities.
• Mines Rescue Resources Hub Global repository of mine rescue information including regulatory requirements, reference manuals, training materials, refuge station guidelines, and rescue responder fitness standards from various jurisdictions. Members gain access to a vast collection of mine rescue knowledge spanning multiple countries.
• Research and Innovation Platform
• IMRB Membership Program Membership-based access to the global mine rescue community, providing member nations and associate members with networking opportunities, members-only resources, and participation in conferences, competitions, and standards development. Members include national mine rescue organizations, mining companies, and equipment manufacturers.

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

39 partnerships are on record, tiered core, suspended, founding and associate.

• Turkey/Türkiye (Türkiye Madenciler Dernegi)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Turkey joined as a member nation. Türkiye Madenciler Dernegi (Miners Association of Türkiye) represents Turkey. Turkey participated in earthquake rescue operations following the February 2023 earthquake.
• Indonesia (Pertapindo)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Indonesia joined as a member nation. Pertapindo represents Indonesia.
• Finland (Agnico Eagle Mines)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Finland joined through Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, which has operations in Finland and participated in multiple IMRC competitions.
• Democratic Republic of Congo (Glencore)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Democratic Republic of Congo joined through Glencore, representing mining operations in the region.
• Colombia (Agencia Nacional de Mineria)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Colombia joined IMRB in 2019 at the Russia conference, becoming the first Latin American member. Agencia Nacional de Mineria (Salvamento Minero) represents Colombia. Colombia hosted the 2019 IMRB conference (500+ delegates from 24 countries) and 2024 IMRC competition in Paipa.
• Kazakhstan (Emergency and Rescue Services Association)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Kazakhstan joined IMRB in 2019. The Emergency and Rescue Services Association of Republic of Kazakhstan represents the country.
• Austria (Hauptstelle für das Grubenrettungs- und Gasschutzwesen)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2011Austria joined IMRB in 2011 at the Beijing conference. Austria is hosting the 2025 IMRB conference (imrb2025.at).
• Mongolia (Mining Rescue Service)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2011Mongolia joined IMRB in 2011 at the Beijing conference. The Mining Rescue Service of Mongolia (Ulaanbaatar) represents the country.
• Russia (EMERCOM) - Status: SuspendedsuspendedStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2011Russia joined IMRB in 2011 at the Beijing conference. EMERCOM (Ministry for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters) represented Russia. Russia hosted the 2017 IMRB conference and 2018 IMRC in Yekaterinburg. Membership is currently suspended.
• Vietnam (Vinacomin Mine Rescue Centre)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2011Vietnam joined IMRB in 2011 at the Beijing conference. Vinacomin Mine Rescue Centre represents Vietnam.
• Zambia (Chamber of Mines)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2011Zambia joined IMRB in 2011 at the Beijing conference. Zambia is hosting the 2026 IMRC competition. Chamber of Mines Zambia represents the country.
• New Zealand (Mines Rescue Service NZ)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2005New Zealand joined IMRB in 2005 at the Sydney conference. Mines Rescue Service New Zealand represents the country, with contact through Trevor Watts.
• NorwaycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2005Norway joined IMRB in 2005 at the Sydney conference.
• Canada (Ontario Mine Rescue and Quebec)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2003Canada joined IMRB in 2003 at the Johannesburg conference. Ontario Mine Rescue and Sauvetage Minier Quebec are member organizations. Canada hosted the 2013 conference in Niagara Falls and the 2016 IMRC in Sudbury, Ontario.
• ChinacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2003China joined IMRB in 2003. China hosted the 2011 IMRB conference in Beijing in conjunction with the 3rd China International Forum on Workplace Emergency Management, and the 2006 IMRC in Pingdingshan.
• Germany (BG RCI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2003Germany joined IMRB in 2003. BG RCI (Berufsgenossenschaft Rohstoffe und chemische Industrie) Emergency Management Prevention Department represents Germany. Germany hosted the 2015 IMRB conference in Hanover.
• India (Coal India, Singareni, Hindustan Zinc)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2003India joined IMRB in 2003. Member organizations include Coal India, Singareni Colleries Mines Rescue Services, and Hindustan Zinc. India participated in multiple IMRC competitions.
• Ukraine (State Militarized Mine Rescue Service)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2003Ukraine joined IMRB in 2003. The State Militarized Mine Rescue Service (DVGRZ) represents Ukraine. Ukraine hosted the 2012 IMRC in Donetsk.
• Poland (Centralna Stacja Ratownictwa Górniczego)foundingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 May 2001Poland is credited as the founding nation of IMRB. Polish mining officials hosted the initial conference in Bytom in May 2000 following the tragedy that killed 6 rescuers in February 1998. Poland hosted the foundational meeting in Ustroń-Jaszowiec in May 2001 where the IMRB was officially established. The Central Mining Rescue Station (CSRG) in Bytom continues as the primary member organization.
• Romania (Insemex and ASMS)foundingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 May 2001Romania was one of nine founding nations that agreed to establish the IMRB in May 2001. Romania has two member organizations: Insemex (research and testing) and ASMS (Asociatia Salvatorilor Minieri Si De Suprafata - surface and underground rescue association).
• Czechia (Hlavní báňská záchranná stanice)foundingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 May 2001Czechia was a founding nation of IMRB. The Czech-designed IMRB logo and flag was adopted at the 2009 conference. HBZS Ostrava (Main Mining Rescue Station) represents Czechia.
• Slovakia (Hlavná Banská Záchranná Stanica)foundingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 May 2001Slovakia was a founding nation of IMRB. HZBS (Main Mining Rescue Station) represents Slovakia as the national member organization.
• FrancefoundingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 May 2001France was one of nine founding nations that established the IMRB in May 2001, participating in the initial agreement to share information about organizations, training methods, rescue techniques, and equipment.
• United Kingdom (Mines Rescue Services UK)foundingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 May 2001United Kingdom was a founding nation of IMRB. Mines Rescue Services UK continues as the national member organization representing Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
• Australia (NSW Mines Rescue and QMRS)foundingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 May 2001Australia was a founding nation. NSW Mines Rescue Services and Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS) are the Australian member organizations. Australia has hosted multiple conferences including 2005 (Sydney), 2021 (Brisbane virtual), and has won multiple IMRC competitions.
• United States of America (MSHA and Holmes Mine Rescue Association)foundingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 May 2001USA was a founding nation. MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) and the Holmes Mine Rescue Association represent the USA. The USA hosted the first three IMRC competitions (1999 Louisville, 2000 Las Vegas, 2002 Reno) and the 2022 competition in Beckley, West Virginia.
• South Africa (Mines Rescue Services)foundingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 May 2001South Africa was a founding nation. Mines Rescue Services South Africa celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023 and hosted the 2023 IMRB conference in Sun City. South Africa was the first nation to repeat as conference host.
• ISSA Mining SectorassociateStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational Safety Security Association (ISSA) Mining Sector is an associate member of IMRB. ISSA is a global association for the promotion of occupational health and safety.
• DEZEGA Holding LimitedassociateTechnology or IntegrationDEZEGA is an associate member specializing in breathing apparatus and safety equipment for mining. They provide technical expertise and equipment demonstrations at IMRB events.
• DragerassociateTechnology or IntegrationDrager is an associate member and leading manufacturer of breathing apparatus and safety equipment. They provide technical expertise on mine rescue equipment standards and have presented at multiple IMRB conferences.
• Pan American SilverassociateStrategic or Co-development PartnerPan American Silver is an associate member representing mining operations across the Americas.
• ERS Solutions S.A.C. (Peru)associateStrategic or Co-development PartnerERS Solutions based in Lima, Peru is an associate member providing emergency response solutions.
• LKAB (Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara AB)associateStrategic or Co-development PartnerLKAB is a Swedish mining company and associate member of IMRB.
• Boliden Tara Mine RescueassociateStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoliden Tara Mine Rescue is an associate member, representing one of Europe's largest zinc mines in Ireland.
• National Mining Association (NMA)associateStrategic or Co-development PartnerNMA is an associate member representing US mining industry interests.
• Mines Rescue Services PeruassociateStrategic or Co-development PartnerMines Rescue Services Peru is an associate member providing mine rescue services in Peru.
• Rescue Tech EcuadorassociateStrategic or Co-development PartnerRescue Tech Ecuador is an associate member providing rescue technology solutions.
• Mines Rescue & Safety GuatemalaassociateStrategic or Co-development PartnerMines Rescue & Safety Guatemala is an associate member representing Central American mining rescue interests.
• AGG Lifesciences and Safety Solutions LLPassociateTechnology or IntegrationAGG Lifesciences and Safety Solutions LLP is an associate member providing safety solutions and technology.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Others

• Pan American Silver: Associate member of IMRB and major silver mining operator across the Americas; participates in IMRB's mine rescue ecosystem as a corporate mining sponsor.
• Dräger: Associate member of IMRB and leading manufacturer of breathing apparatus and mine rescue safety equipment; participates in standards development and presents at IMRB events — adjacent ecosystem player serving the same mine rescue market.
• DEZEGA Holding: Associate member of IMRB specializing in breathing apparatus and mine rescue safety equipment; provides technical expertise and equipment demonstrations at IMRB events — adjacent equipment vendor serving IMRB's members.

Direct peers

• ISSA Mining Sector: International Social Security Association's Mining Sector is explicitly an associate member of IMRB and operates as a global association for occupational health and safety in mining — directly comparable mission, audience, and standards-influence role.
• Mines Rescue Services South Africa: Founding IMRB member; national mine rescue service provider in South Africa and host of the 2023 IMRB conference — directly comparable service provider within the IMRB network.
• Ontario Mine Rescue: Founding IMRB member and Canadian provincial mine rescue service; provides emergency response training across Ontario mines — directly comparable service provider and a key IMRB board representation.
• Mines Rescue Services UK: Founding IMRB member that delivers direct mine rescue services and training in Great Britain and Northern Ireland — directly comparable service provider and a key node within IMRB's membership network.
• NSW Mines Rescue (Coal Services): Founding IMRB member representing Australia; provides mine rescue services and training in NSW — directly comparable national mine rescue service provider within IMRB.

Broad incumbents

• National Mining Association (NMA): NMA is an associate member of IMRB and the broad US mining industry trade association — comparable membership-association model serving mining industry interests, with a wider policy and advocacy scope.

Regional players

• Chamber of Mines Zambia: Represents Zambia in IMRB and hosts the 2026 IMRC competition; a regional mining industry association operating in a comparable membership-association model within IMRB's African footprint.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/IMRBbody
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@imrb-imrb
• Facebookfacebook.com/61553877663147
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/imrb-minerescue
• Instagraminstagram.com/imrb_official

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about IMRB - International Mines Rescue Body