Recent mine emergencies emphasized the need for two-way communications between underground miners and rescuers. Unfortunately, communications systems typically used for routine mine operations require infrastructure (hard-wired networks, power supplies, etc.) that can be damaged by a catastrophic event, such as a fire, explosion, or water inundation.
The MINER Act of 2006 mandated development of an emergency communications and tracking plan within 3 years. The plan would provide (a) two-way, wireless, post-accident communications between underground and surface personnel and (b) electronic tracking of underground workers. In June 2006, Congress allocated Emergency Supplemental Appropriation funding for improvements in mine emergency response, including communications and tracking. The funds targeted technologies that could be mine-ready in 24-36 months.
NIOSH assessed existing and promising technologies and met with manufacturers, inventors and innovators, trade and labor organizations, academia, and industry to discuss options, alternatives, and needs. These assessments led to the series of contract and grant awards listed below.
Details are available for each award. In addition, the associated Research Area summaries explain how these awards fit into NIOSH's overall emergency communications and tracking research strategy.
NIOSH Projects and Activities
Activity
Objective
Mining Communications and Tracking Workshop
NIOSH presented two workshops in May 2009 to explain communications and tracking technologies, technical challenges, and implementation issues.
Contracts and Grants
NIOSH awarded the following contracts and grants. The Research Area column identifies whether the award relates to emergency communications, miner tracking, or both. To learn how these contracts and grants fit into NIOSH's overall research strategy, see the in-depth discussions about Emergency Communications and Tracking.
Title
Contractor/Agency
Objective
Research Area
Design and Demonstration of a Location Tracking System for Underground Coal Mines (award 1) (200-2007-21249)
Extreme Endeavors and Consulting
Develop a miner tracking system based on inertial navigation and reverse RFID correction
Tracking
Design and Demonstration of a Location Tracking System for Underground Coal Mines (award 2) (200-2007-21250)
L-3 Global Security & Engineering Solutions
Develop a miner tracking system based on ultra-wideband technology and reverse RFID correction
Tracking
Develop a Means to Model Network Performance Using Network Simulation Tools (08FEB898345)
U.S. Department of Commerce, NIST
Develop modeling and simulation tools to evaluate the performance of underground mine wireless communications networks
Emergency Communications
Development of a Wireless Test and Measurement Tool for Use in Mines (200-2008-24620c)
Helium Networks
Design and develop a tool for mapping wireless coverage areas in underground coal mines
Emergency Communications
Development of Guidelines for Safely Managing Electrical Equipment and Systems in Underground Mines During Mine Emergencies and Other Abnormal Circumstance (200-2008-26556)
Foster-Miller, Inc.
Develop guidelines for safe management of electrical equipment and systems during a mine emergency or other abnormal circumstance
Emergency Communications
Fiber Optic Sprinkler Head Emergency Communications (200-2008-26293)
CSIRO
Evaluate the feasibility of a fiber optic sprinkler head emergency communications system for use in underground mines
Emergency Communications
Leaky Feeder Mine Communications System (200-2007-20064)
Pillar Innovations LLC
Investigate techniques to increase the survivability of leaky feeder communications systems
Emergency Communications
Leaky Feeder to Wireless Media Converter Device Technology Development (200-2008-26815)
Rajant Corporation
Develop a media converter device to interface wireless handheld radios with leaky feeder communication systems
Fabricate and test through-the-earth communication devices in an underground mine.
Emergency Communications
Mine Communications Engineering and Compatibility Guidelines (08FED898353)
DISA Joint Spectrum Center
Develop guidelines for safe and efficient use of the limited radio spectrum in underground mines
Emergency Communications
Mobile Adaptable RF/IT Infrastructure - Experimental (MATRIX) (200-2008-27444)
CERMUSA
Test the efficacy of deploying a vehicular satellite communication system for use during mine rescue and other emergency events
Emergency Communications
Passive Fiber Optic System for Locating, Tracking, and Communicating with Personnel in Coal Mines (200-2008-24502)
US Sensor Systems Inc.
Develop and demonstrate a modified, fiber optic-based perimeter security system to track personnel in underground coal mines
Tracking
Performance and Safety Investigation of Emergency Backup Batteries and Battery Charging Systems for Underground Mining Applications (254-2008-27024)
Foster-Miller, Inc.
Develop recommendations for battery selection, use, and charging in underground coal mines
Emergency Communications
Subterranean Wireless Electronic Communication System (07FED717801)
U.S. Army CERDEC
Adapt a subterranean wireless communications system for use in underground mines
Emergency Communications
Supplementary Technologies for Advance Mine Communication Networks (200-2008-24628)
Foundation Telecomm. Inc.
Develop a Universal Signal Evaluation Package for 75 and 150 MHz bands, adapt a passive magnetic amplifier for 900 MHz, and investigate energy harvesting technologies
Emergency Communications
System Reliability and Environmental Survivability (200-2008-26864)
Foster-Miller, Inc.
Develop a method to evaluate the reliability and survivability of underground communication, tracking, and atmospheric monitoring systems
Develop a battery-powered, through-the-earth wireless voice communication system for overburdens of up to 600 feet
Emergency Communications
TTE Communication & Trapped Miner Beacon System (200-2007-22843)
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Develop and demonstrate a two-way, through-the-earth communication system for mines
Emergency Communications
Two-Way, Through-the-Earth Emergency Communication System for Trapped Miners and the Surface (200-2009-32117)
Stolar Research, Inc.
Design, fabricate, and test a prototype, two-way, through-the-earth emergency communication system
Emergency Communications
Ultra Low Frequency Through the Earth Communication Technology (200-2008-26818)
E-Spectrum Technologies
Adapt an existing ULF through-the-earth system for communication and tracking of underground miners
Emergency Communications
Wireless Mesh Mine Communication System (200-2007-20388)
L-3 Global Security & Engineering Solutions
Design, install, and evaluate a wireless mesh communication and tracking network in an underground coal mine
Both
Working Groups
Low Voltage Power Supply (LVPS) Working Group - The use of emergency backup power supplies for in-mine equipment creates potential conflicts between MINER Act requirements for systems to remain operational after a disaster and the existing regulations and safety practices. NIOSH formed the Low Voltage Power Supply Working Group (LVPS) to address these concerns.
Mine Safety and Health Research Advisory Committee (MSHRAC) - This committee provides advice to the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services; the Director, CDC; and the Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); on priorities in mine safety and health research, including grants and contracts for such research, 30 U.S.C. 812(b)(2), Section 102(b)(2).
Communications and Tracking Research (full NIOSH presentation to the Committee, May 2-3, 2007) (PDF, 916 KB, 2007) - The meeting focus was on communications and tracking, an update on refuge chamber activities, mine seals research, other research projects related to disaster prevention and response, and behavioral research on mine escape. The agenda also included an update report from the Associate Director for Mining.
Mine Emergency Communications Partnership (MECP) - This NIOSH Partnership was established to facilitate the development, evaluation, and implementation of mine emergency communications system technology.
Preliminary Assessment of Communications Systems for Underground Mines [Draft] Schiffbauer-WH; Mowrey-GL | National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health unpublished report, 2006.