The Polytechnique delegation bested teams from Université Laval and Queen's University at the 32nd Canadian Mining Games, co-hosted by Polytechnique Montréal and McGill University.

Sixteen students in the Bachelor of Mining Engineering (Baccalauréat en génie des mines) program at Polytechnique took part in academic, technical, and recreational events, along with representatives from nine other Canadian universities. The delegation was composed of: Samuel Bégin, Thomas Bernèche, William Boisvert-Roy, William Bourque, Louis-Simon Breault, Francis Brideau, Danick Charbonneau, Frédéric Cournoyer, Yness El Rakka, Gabriel Filiatrault, Julien Girard, Florence Laflamme, Jérémy Lapointe, Edouard Marquis Guimont, Marie Plamondon and Félicia St-Pierre.

Polytechnique’s team placed first in the Underground Mine Design event, the Promine Computer Aided Design event, and the first-ever “mystery event” of the competition. Further, Polytechnique students placed third in the Pit Design, Underground Rock Mechanics, Blast Drilling, Innovation, Equipment Selection, Best Practices in Mining and Crisis Management events.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 Canadian Mining Games were held online, but student delegations were able to gather on their respective campuses to compete. A total of 160 students representing Polytechnique Montreal, British Columbia Institute of Technology, University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, Dalhousie University, Laurentian University, Université Laval, McGill University, Queen's University, and University of Toronto competed.

"This victory was very special for the entire team – the competition and the win were both full of emotions, fun, and very few hours of sleep," commented Gabriel Filiatrault, one of the captains of the Polytechnique team. "Our preparation was really thorough, and we were able to reap the benefits of that. I couldn't have asked for a better experience to conclude my bachelor's degree in mining engineering. Winning with people I consider my second family brings its share of emotions; the icing on the cake is that we won at home!”

"Emotions were high: after a year of telling the team that “this was our year,” I couldn't be more proud of all of us," added Captain Félicia St-Pierre. "We worked hard for this victory. The team has been my family for the past four years and I am really proud to have had this experience as a captain. I don't think there’s a better way to end my undergraduate career. The team’s reaction when the winners were announced will forever be one of the best moments of my life - I still get chills thinking about it!”

Polytechnique Montréal's most recent podium finish in competition was third place at the 30th Canadian Mining Games, which took place in Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia. in February 2020, just days before the pandemic began in Québec and Canada...

Congratulations to our students!

(Please also enjoy this related article that discusses the 32nd Canadian Mining Games’ organizing committee adapting the Games to a hybrid format, and also discusses the Polytechnique delegation).

Learn more

Polytechnique Montreal’s Team for the Canadian Mining Games - Facebook page
Department of Civil, Geological, and Mining Engineering website (in French)
Canadian Mining Games website
Article “Adaptability and determination are the recipe for success at the 32nd Canadian Mining Games in hybrid format”