Mining Magazine > Panorama > MSHA approves Lockheed communication system

The US Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has approved a new wireless communication system, which can be used by trapped miners during an accident.
The new MagneLink magnetic communication system (MCS), designed by Lockheed Martin, is a two-way voice and text-capable wireless communication system. The system uses magnetic waves to transmit signals through layers of solid earth, independent of surface or in-mine infrastructure.
The MCS consists of an in-mine unit, which will be positioned near underground refuge chambers and along escape routes, and a portable surface unit. It provides extended range performance for shallow to deep mines, enabling trapped miners to communicate under extreme post-accident emergency conditions when no other form of communication is possible, helping mine emergency response and rescue teams to determine their status and location. The trapped miners can communicate using digital voice or text; alternatively, they can active an automatic beacon signal to the surface that will alert responders and closely approximate the miner’s location.
MSHA has reviewed the system’s design specifications and hardware, and has conducted a series of tests to ensure that the system design and construction complied with MSHA safety mandates.