Doe Run Employee, Steve Setzer, Inducted into National Mine Rescue Hall of Fame

Steve Setzer, of Dillard, Missouri, is a 2018 inductee into the Metal and Nonmetal (MNM) National Mine Rescue Hall of Fame. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) recognized Setzer’s more than 30 years of service as a skilled mine rescuer for The Doe Run Company (Doe Run) at the hall of fame banquet on July 26 in Lexington, Kentucky.

Setzer serves as an electrician at Doe Run’s Brushy Creek Mine. Serving over 30 years with Doe Run’s Maroon mine rescue team, Setzer has participated in more than 54 regional contests and 13 national contests. He led the team to two National Championship titles in 2010 and 2014 as captain.

Doe Run’s mine rescue teams participate in competitions to enhance the team’s skills through realistic mine rescue challenges and prepare them to aid fellow employees during a real mine emergency. Team members participate in training for at least eight hours per month to keep their skills sharp.

“I’m proud to work alongside my fellow mine rescue teammates to improve efficiency and safety for our industry. We achieve more together,” said Setzer. “I owe this recognition to them and to my supportive family.”

Since beginning his mining career with Doe Run in 1978, Setzer has held several roles on the mine rescue team, including gas man, co-captain, first aid, captain and trainer. He has been captain for Doe Run’s Maroon team for 17 years and the team trainer for seven years.

Setzer has also served as president of the Missouri Mine Rescue Association, inaugural vice president of Holmes Mine Rescue Association, and vice president of the United States Mine Rescue Association.

“Steve is always challenging team members to do their best. His passion for mine rescue drives innovative thinking that helps make mine rescue better,” said Andrew Hampton, instrument tech at Doe Run’s Fletcher Mine and Mill, and Maroon mine rescue team member. “When the call comes to help his coworkers, Steve has always been there.” Hampton nominated Setzer for the award.

In 2010, Setzer was one of the team members who evacuated employees when a truck fire broke out underground. He and the other rescuers involved received a Certificate of Honor from Washington, D.C., at the Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association annual meeting for their exceptional work during this real emergency.

“Returning our employees home safely to their loved ones each day is our highest priority,” stated Steve Batts, vice president – SEMO operations. “This high honor speaks to Steve’s commitment to ensuring that is true for all his underground co-workers. We are proud of him.”

The MNM National Mine Rescue Hall of Fame honors exceptional individuals who stand out in the unique and challenging field of mine rescue through their accomplishments and commitments. In 2016, Denny Dickerson, who retired from Doe Run’s Buick Mine, was inducted into the National Mine Rescue Hall of Fame.

About The Doe Run Company

Based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, The Doe Run Company is a privately held natural resources company and a global provider of lead, copper and zinc concentrates. Dedicated to environmentally responsible mineral and metal production, Doe Run operates one of the world’s largest, single-site lead recycling centers, located in Boss, Missouri, and mines from one of the world’s largest lead mining districts, also in Missouri. The Doe Run Company and its subsidiaries deliver products and services necessary to provide power, protection and convenience. Doe Run has operations in Missouri, Washington and Arizona. For more information, visit www.doerun.com and sustainability.doerun.com.

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