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Communications and Tracking for Underground Mines

MSHA continues to review emergency communications and tracking systems that represent the most promising technologies for application in underground mines. Both MSHA-approved Technologies and those under development will be evaluated. Information on these systems will be provided as it is gathered. MSHA has begun to receive a significant number of approval requests for a new generation of communications and tracking technology. Resources have been gradually shifted from exploring the availability of new technologies to focusing on evaluation and testing activities for issuance of MSHA approval.

In response to the Sago Mine disaster, to date MSHA has received numerous proposals from manufacturers and distributors of emergency communication and tracking systems. Additional proposals continue to be received. Our Technical Support Directorate is reviewing these products and proposals and assisting interested manufacturers in obtaining MSHA approval. We have also been working with the NIOSH Communication and Tracking Partnership to assist interested parties in arranging field tests of their systems to facilitate development. MSHA wishes to thank NIOSH for their efforts in further development of these important technologies.

Manufacturers need to obtain the appropriate MSHA approvals for the systems to be used in the gassy areas of underground mines. We encourage all manufacturers of communication and tracking technologies to contact us.

Interested parties should contact David Chirdon at chirdon.david@dol.gov


Current Status
    On December 12, 2008, MSHA published on its website the draft guidance for communications and tracking systems to assist with compliance to the MINER Act of 2006. Comments to this draft guidance document will be accepted until January 8, 2009.

    As of January 5, 2009, MSHA is processing 37 approval applications for communications and tracking technology. Since the beginning of 2006, we have issued 67 new or revised approvals for communications and tracking products. Approvals granted in December include revisions to the Varis leaky feeder system and the Innovative Wireless mesh communication system.

    We have observed 58 tests or demonstrations of 31 different communications and/or tracking systems at various mine sites. We have met with representatives from 67 communications and tracking system companies. To date, we have had discussions with various vendors regarding 182 different proposals for development of mine communications and tracking systems.
MSHA-approved Technologies Public Meeting Held on Communications and Tracking Technologies Program Policy Letter
  • P08-V-2 - Approval of Communication and Tracking Devices Required by the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 (MINER Act)
Underground Communications and Tracking System Tests at
CONSOL Energy, Inc., McElroy Mine



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