The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has announced approval of a major component of Active Control Technology Inc.’s ActiveMine system. The regulatory agency declared the system’s RFID WiFi tags “intrinsically safe,” meaning they do not pose a risk of creating a spark or thermal ignition of methane or coal dust in coal mines.
ActiveMine is a wireless communications and locating system for mines. The system’s active RFID Wi-Fi Tags, which can be carried by people or attached to mobile mining assets, can be tracked within a Wi-Fi coverage area, requiring no additional network hardware overlay.
Active Control has also applied for MSHA approval of the other key ActiveMine components, including the system’s wireless mesh node modules and wireless telephones. Approval of both components is expected soon.
MSHA approval is required for equipment used in areas of underground coal mines where methane or coal dust build-up may occur, but is not needed for most base metal and precious metal mines. Although some outstanding ActiveMine purchase orders are subject to regulatory approval by MSHA, ActiveMine is already installed and operating in non-gassy sections of two underground coal mines located in West Virginia, the leading US coal mining state. The system was certified by West Virginia’s Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training in June of 2007. ![[end]](/resources/bullet/archive-4.gif)
