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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 July 1, 2010, MSHA is processing 41 approval applications for communications and tracking technology. Since the beginning of 2006, we have issued 153 new or revised approvals for communications and tracking products. Significant approvals issued in June 2010 include a Becker Electronics Cap Lamp Mounted Tracking Tag and a Mine Site Technologies VOIP Handset.
We have observed 77 tests or demonstrations of 35 different communications and/or tracking systems at various mine sites. We have met with representatives from 73 communications and tracking system companies. To date, we have had discussions with various vendors regarding 192 different proposals for development of mine communications and tracking systems.
MSHA-approved Communication and Tracking Technologies
MSHA Communication and Tracking Workshop
- MSHA hosted a Communication and Tracking Workshop on March 17, 2010 at Wheeling Jesuit University. The webcast file and powerpoint presentations from the workshop are available at the following links.
- Powerpoint® Presentations
- Webcast Files (Video)
Program Policy Letters
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P09-V-01 - Guidance for Compliance with Post-Accident Two-Way Communications and Electronic Tracking Requirements of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act (MINER Act)
- Response to Comments on the Program Policy Letter (PPL) concerning Guidance for Compliance with Post-Accident Two-Way Communications and Electronic Tracking Requirements of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act (MINER Act) of 2006
- P08-V-2 - Approval of Communication and Tracking Devices Required by the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 (MINER Act)
Compliance Guide
- Questions and Answers On MSHA'S Program Policy Letter (PPL) (P09-V-01) on Compliance with Post-Accident Two-Way Communications and Electronic Tracking Requirements of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act (MINER Act)
- Additional Questions and Answers On Compliance with Post-Accident Two-Way Communications and Electronic Tracking Requirements of the MINER Act (Added 01/06/2010)
Publications
- Mine Communications and Tracking Tutorial
This document is being provided to the mining industry as a working draft. The intent is to make information available to labor, industry, regulators, and academia that is relevant to the Communications and Tracking systems that are being installed for compliance with the MINER Act.
Public Meeting Held on Communications and Tracking Technologies
Presentations
- MSHA Communications and Tracking Program Policy Letter
Underground Communications and Tracking System Tests at
CONSOL Energy, Inc., McElroy Mine
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