Underground Coalmine Communications and Tracking Systems Performance and Maintenance

The MINER Act of 2006 requires all underground coal mines to have wireless communications and electronic, personnel tracking (CT) systems that permit a direct link between underground mineworkers and surface personnel. Six years have passed since the enactment of the MINER Act, and the time is appropriate for evaluating the types, effectiveness, and problems associated with the various CT technologies that have been adopted by the mining industry. A study is proposed to survey the coal mining industry with regards to its experiences with the application and utilization of CT systems. The results obtained from the proposed work will provide NIOSH with the information necessary to define future research directions.