HD82 - Assessment of the Availability of Effective Underground Wireless Communication and Miner Locator Systems


Executive Summary:
In early 2006, coal mine disasters in the Appalachian region resulting in multiple fatalities demonstrated a need for improvements in equipment and technology that would improve mine emergency response. The 2006 Virginia General Assembly, through HB1443, directed the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) to provide an assessment of wireless communication systems and miner locator systems to determine their effectiveness and availability.

The assessment found that no “true wireless” system with two-way communication is available at this time. The focus of industry and regulators in improving communication and tracking is on a wireless system. However, research and development of a truly robust wireless communication and tracking system could be years ahead in completion. Protecting miners can be achieved in underground coal mines by employing systems that function in the unique atmosphere of each mine. The best approach would combine several available technologies to create a communication system that utilized the strengths of the systems and minimized the weaknesses.

DMME believes that Virginia mines are doing a lot of things right; however, we can still learn from recent incidents. DMME strives to keep Virginia underground coal mines on the cutting edge of developing communication technology.

DMME respectfully submits this report, evaluating the capabilities and availability of effective underground coal mine wireless communication and miner tracking systems. DMME expects that the recommendations of this report will be beneficial to the Virginia General Assembly in shaping future policies and funding that will protect a precious Virginia resource, the lives of our coal miners.