HISTORY OF THE GAMES

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The competition started in 1978 as an act of commemoration to the 1972 Sunshine mine disaster that sadly claimed the lives of 91 workers. It was the worst hard rock mining disaster in the US since 1917. The competition was set up not only to remind us of those who fell at Sunshine but to all those who have lost their lives in mining. 

 

The games comprise of seven events each testing the skill of the modern young miner in the field of the old techniques. The games are an opportunity for mining students around the world to not only learn the old ways of mining but to network with each other and meet others from all corners of the globe. Competition is fierce and the standard of the teams competing has only grown in the last decade. National pride is on the line for many during the games so training for the competition often starts early. CSM is the only team competing from the UK so is often considered Team GB as well. 

 

The United States, Canada, Brazil and Australia have all been represented in the IMG. Last year’s hosts were the University of Kentucky, based in Lexington. There are three divisions in the games, Men’s, Women’s and Co-Ed. CSM have yet to put forward and all women’s team but our Co-Ed team can boast being previous world champions! Our Men’s teams have also grown in strength and have gained a reputation for being one of the stronger teams in the IMG. Each team comprises of 6 members, each event has a maximum of 5 members competing at one time, with exception to surveying and Jack leg drilling which can only have 2.