Mine Safety and Health Administration
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Communications and Tracking for Underground Mines

Since the Sago, Aracoma and Darby accidents and subsequent enactment of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 (MINER Act), MSHA has investigated new communications and tracking technologies. Initially, MSHA conducted a search of available technologies, published a request for information and hosted a public meeting in Washington DC in March 2006. Based upon the findings from this investigation, MSHA selected a cross-section of new technologies and conducted tests at the CONSOL Energy McElroy Mine to evaluate potential application of such technologies in underground coal mines. The findings were published in a report that is available at the link provided below.

In response to the identified industry need, MSHA received a significant number of approval requests for a new generation of communications and tracking technology. MSHA devoted significant resources to the investigation of these new technologies and has issued many new approvals which are listed at the link below. Additional requests 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 National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) as well as the NMA/BCOA Communication and Tracking Partnership to assist interested parties in arranging field tests of their systems to facilitate development. MSHA wishes to thank NIOSH, the NMA and the BCOA for their efforts in furthering the development of these important technologies.

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

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

Current Status

As of May 1, 2012, MSHA is processing 39 approval applications for communications and tracking technology. Since the beginning of 2006, we have issued 229 new or revised approvals for communication and tracking products. Among the approvals issued in April 2012 was a new approval to L-3 Communications for a Miner Mesh Locator (tracking device).

MSHA has observed 92 tests or demonstrations of 38 different communications and/or tracking systems at various mine sites. We have met with representatives from 77 communications and tracking system companies. To date, we have had discussions with various vendors regarding 202 different proposals for development of mine communications and tracking systems.

MSHA is interested in your feedback regarding whether you find these monthly updates useful. Please let us know if you would still like to see these updates or if you suggest any changes by sending an email to David Chirdon at chirdon.david@dol.gov.

MSHA-approved Communication and Tracking Technologies

Program Information Bulletin

  • P10-22 - Emergency Response Plan (ERP) Reviews of Post-Accident Communication and Electronic Tracking Systems

Procedure Instruction Letters

  • I11-V-6 - Inspection of Post-Accident Communication and Electronic Tracking Systems

  • I10-V-19 - Emergency Response Plan (ERP) Reviews of Post-Accident Communication and Electronic Tracking Systems

Program Policy Letters

  • P11-V-13 - Guidance for Compliance with Post-Accident Two-Way Communications and Electronic Tracking Requirements of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act (MINER Act)

  • P11-V-11 - Approval of Communication and Tracking Devices Required by the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 (MINER Act)

  • P11-V-07 - Two-Way Communication and Electronic Tracking System: Potential Interference of RF Electromagnetic Fields with Electric Blasting Circuits

Compliance Guide

  • Questions and Answers on MSHA'S Program Policy Letter (PPL) (P11-V-13) on Post-Accident Two-Way Communications and Electronic Tracking Requirements of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act (MINER Act)

Publications

Public Meeting Held on Communications and Tracking Technologies

Presentations


Underground Communications and Tracking System Tests at CONSOL Energy, Inc., McElroy Mine
NIOSH Website
  • Emergency Communications and Tracking