Frequently Asked Questions
With so much focus on our products and their use in emergencies we would refer you to the Frequently Asked Questions below for simple clarification on how two of our key technologies actually operate and are used, being the PED System and TRACKER Tagging System.
1. PED
What is PED?
PED is an emergency warning system that uses ultra low frequency signals to transit information directly through rock strata (through-the-earth signaling). Text messages are sent to special PED Pager receiver attached to an underground miner's cap light.
Where is PED Used?
It is used in over 150 mines (both coal and hard rock mines) in Australia, China, USA, Canada, Africa and Sweden.
Can other communication system provide redundancy to ensure they keep working in an emergency?
No, not reliably. Redundant cable pathways for leaky feeder or alternate routes for wireless mesh systems simply do not have more than one or two alternate pathways, and hence are easily disrupted. Leaky feeder and wireless mesh systems are excellent day to day communication systems, but being based on significant amounts of hardware underground that can, and would, be damaged in any major incident should not be relied upon in an emergency.
Through-the-earth signaling is the only communication technology that can ensure a high level of availability in all circumstances underground, and hence the effort we at MST have invested in this technology over the last 20 years and the successful installations we have around the world.
What does "Through-the-Earth" Signaling mean?
The use of ultra low frequency signals means the PED signal can travel through several thousand feet of rock strata. Hence an antenna can be located on the surface only at a mine site, and provide signal coverage to all parts of the underground mine.
If the terrain makes a surface antenna impractical to install, then the antenna can be installed underground. But because the signal travels through rock, the antenna does not need to run into all parts of the mine to achieve mine wide signal coverage, thus minimizing the risk of damage during an incident.
Can a miner underground respond to messages?
PED is a one-way pager, a miner underground cannot send a message back. The inherent reliability of a well maintained PED System will ensure a message is received, but there is no through the earth (TTE) return signal available for underground communications, from MST or anywhere presently. However, we are currently developing an extension to the PED System to provide two-way capability. This will provide a communication link for the miner underground back to the surface without the need for any cables or mesh networks (both of which are very vulnerable to disruption in any major event underground.
So can one way paging make a difference in an emergency?
Yes, without doubt the ability of PED has made an enormous difference to some miners working underground at the time of an incident (e.g. Willow Creek Mine Fire in 1998). The ability to just advise them to evacuate or perhaps to hit the roof with a rock bolt because seismic sensors are installed and listening can, and have, literally made the difference between life & death.
Could PED have made a difference in recent mine disasters?
This type of question is rather sensitive, so we would simply refer you to our response to MSHA's RFI (RIN 1219-AB44) - follow this link to that response.
How else can PED be used?
The ability to send a message to a person, wherever they are underground, means that PED is a very useful day to day communication system that complements your other underground communication devices (such as phones and radios).
PED used as a communication tool is very effective for managing and directing maintenance personnel, electricians, fitters and organising mine consumables immediately to where they are needed
PED can also be used to turn pumps, fans and other equipment ON/OFF in a mine using the ControlPED units. These units use the same transmission system as the PED communications receivers. What maintenance does the system require? PED is a relatively simple system to install and maintain. But like an electronic or communication system some level of maintenance is required to ensure it operates efficiently.
Considerations for installation?
A surface antenna only requires access to the area to install the PED antenna cable.
Underground antennas need to be installed in fresh (intake) air due to the power in the cable (approx. 150 volts at 5 amps). Also, care must be taken when installing cables near old phones lines etc to limit the possibility of any interference (that may cause some crackling on the phone).
Is PED reliable?
Yes, history of use shows PED is extremely reliable, as long as the simple maintenance referred to above is undertaken.
Where is the nearest PED distributor?
MINE SITE TECHNOLOGIES has a number of offices and distributor outlets established in a number of countries, including Australia, USA, China, Chile, Peru, and South Africa.
In the United States MST has an office in Salt Lake City to support the mines and distributors (mst@minesitetech.com).
The US distributors are:
Eastern USA: Chuck Edwards of CSE Corporation,
Tel: 412-856 9200
Email: cre@csecorporation.com
Western USA: Phil Antony or Dave Hinkins at Interwest Technology Inc,
Email: phil.anthony@interwesttechnology.com
2. TRACKER
What is TRACKER Tagging?
The Tracker system provides the ability to monitor, in real time, the location of personnel, vehicles and equipment underground in a mine.
What does the TRACKER System consist of?
The Trackers system consists of:
- TRACKER Readers or Beacons: These are Digital Access Points that read a Tag, worn by a miner or installed on a vehicle, as they pass the Access Point (AP).
- TRACKER Tags: These are active RFID Tags that have unique ID numbers and are powered by batteries. They are worn by a miner or installed on a vehicle and transmit their ID info as they pass a TRACKER Beacon.
- TRACKER User/System Software: This is the TRACKER system S/W installed on a computer on the surface, generally in a Control Room. It displays a complete map of the mine showing the location of all the TRACKER Beacons. The Tags located near each Beacon can be identified at anytime.
What is required to operate and connect the TRACKER system together?
The TRACKER system Beacons(Underground Digital Access Points) are connected by either Fiber or Copper Twisted pair cabling.
The Beacons are powered by 30VDC power. The Beacons can be "daisy chained" together, providing ease of installation. The TRACKER Beacons are connected back into the mines data network.
Do I know the exact location of someone wearing a Tag?
The location is known within zones. That is, the Tag location is not determined down to the exact foot, but is known within a zone between two Beacons (Readers). The spacing of the Beacons determines the size of this zone and hence the accuracy of their location.
What sort of RFID Tags are available?
Active RFID Tags are supplied as individual devices with their own internal battery pack that worn on a miner's belt or mounted on a vehicle or other equipment. The Tags can also be supplied as a part of an integrated unit in the ICCL Caplamp Battery.
How long do the Tag batteries last?
The stand alone Tag last approx 10-12 months before their batteries require replacing.
Is there any limit to the number of Tags or Beacons I can use?
No, there are no limits to the number of Tags you require or Beacons you can use.
Is the system MSHA approved?
Yes the Tags are MSHA approved devices.
The Access Points or Beacons are not yet MSHA approved but are beign prepared for approval. Until then they can only be installed in Non- Hazardous areas but they still provide information on what Tags - ie: Personnel or Vehicles, are located in a development heading or at Longwall face area.
Prior to approval being received if the Beacons (Access Points) need to be in a hazardous (gassy) zone, like the face area or return airways, they are installed in Explosion Proof (EXP) Enclosures.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Who is MINE SITE TECHNOLOGIES?
MINE SITE TECHNOLOGIES (MST) is the leader in mining communications, particularly underground mine communication.
Privately owned it has been established for 20 years, MST has a highly innovative product range to suit the special needs for communications in the mining industry. Continually improved products enhance the safety and productivity for both local and global customers. MST is an organization with an ongoing commitment to innovation, safety and productivity and has a strong focus on providing overall solutions and customer satisfaction.
What are the key technologies of MINE SITE TECHNOLOGIES?
- PED - ultra-low frequency paging and emergency warning system. PED is the primary evacuation warning system in many mines.
- ImPact - takes a mine's WLAN seamlessly underground, enabling a single communication infrastructure to provide a range of high data applications such as video, VoIP, remote vehicle diagnostics, and control.
- VDV Leaky Feeder - 2-way voice and data VHF radio, reliable and easy to maintain.
- BlastPED - remote blast initiation system that uses radio signals, rather than hard wire networks, for safer blasting.
- TRACKER - tagging system designed and manufactured for underground applications.
- ICCL - Integrated Communications Cap Lamp, only 1/3 of the weight of existing units but can include a range of communication and safety devices such as PED and/or Tagging and/or Radio.
- Wireless Mesh via Rajant BreadCrumbs for open pit and underground mobile applications.
What clients does MINE SITE TECHNOLOGIES work with?
Our clients include: Xstrata, BHP Billiton, Centennial Coal, Rio Tinto, Datong Coal, Newmont, Placer Dome, Newcrest, Anglo Coal, Ningxia Coal, Consol Energy, Barrick, RAG, Homestake Gold, Inco, Pittston, Energy West, Stillwater Mining, Hebi Mining and others.
How can I download the manuals?
The product manuals are reserved for operators using our equipment.
You may still download all our information brochures for our products and systems:
- PED
- ImPact
- VDV
- Tracker
- ICCL
How can I get in contact with MINE SITE TECHNOLOGIES if I have more specific questions? Just send us an email to mst@minesitetech.com and we will come back to you as soon as possible.