[Sevierville, TN — September 1, 2026] The 2026 National Mine Rescue, First Aid, Bench, Technician Team, and Pre-Shift Competition wrapped up last week at the Sevierville Convention Center. The event brought together mine rescue teams, safety professionals, and industry partners from across the country. Matrix Design Group attended all four days as a sponsor, including the closing awards ceremony. Throughout the week, the team gained a renewed appreciation for the people who respond when emergencies occur underground.
A Week Focused on Preparedness
For teams, the week featured simulated mine fires, gas releases, entrapments, and first aid response drills. Additionally, competitors completed timed equipment repairs and pre-shift inspection challenges. These are the same scenarios rescue teams train on year-round so they’re prepared if a real emergency occurs.
For Matrix, the week was filled with conversations with the people who do that work every day. More importantly, it also provided a firsthand look at just how seriously the mining community takes preparedness and emergency response.
“What struck me most this week wasn’t the competition itself, it was what happens between rounds. Every team we talked to at the booth had a story about a close call, a lesson learned, a piece of gear they trust with their life. That’s who we’re building for. Spending four days on the floor in Sevierville is the best reminder we get all year of why this work matters.”
Casey Clark, Account Manager, Matrix Design Group
Connected Safety Technology on Display
Attendees who visited the Matrix booth explored connected safety technologies designed to help operations improve awareness and reduce risk.
Featured solutions included:
Together, these technologies help operations move from reactive safety measures toward a more proactive approach to hazard awareness and incident prevention.
Thank You to the Mining Community
Matrix extends its thanks to every team that competed in Sevierville this week, and to the Tennessee Mine Rescue Association, MSHA, the Sevierville Convention Center, and the volunteers and judges who made the 2026 National Mine Rescue Competition possible.
Matrix was also proud to sponsor this year’s awards ceremony, recognizing the top three overall teams on both the Coal and Metal/Nonmetal sides of the competition.
It was a fitting close to a week built around recognizing the teams that train hardest for the moments that matter most.
