MINE SITE TECHNOLOGIES
GLOBAL LEADER IN UNDERGROUND COMMUNICATIONS |
ImPact Wireless Network Switches (Access Points) provide s seamless WLAN underground |
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Mine Site Technologies (MST) is the largest specialized mining communications system supplier in the world, particularly underground communications. Our communication technologies are in use 24 hours a day at over 400 mines in Canada, USA, Australia, China, Sweden, Indonesia, Peru, Chile, Mexico, Tanzania, DRC, and Mali
Our technologies are manufactured to the highest quality standards and are supported by highly trained technicians.
Our key communication technologies include:
ImPact – Digital Communication & Tracking for Underground Mines
The ImPact Digital System takes a mine’s LAN underground offering a quantum leap in bandwidth, and hence data quality and capacity. Deployed with major mine operations around the world, including such groups as Newmont Gold, Barrick Gold, Xstrata Coal, Xstrata Zinc, BHP Billiton, Centennial Coal, BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), Agnico Eagle, one infrastructure provides the majority of these mines’ communication requirements, such as:
- Tracking via Wi-Fi RFID Tags (see TRACKER Tagging below for more details)
- Two-way voice with VoIP telephones
- Real-time vehicle diagnostics and payload data (Vehicle Intelligence Platform)
- Automated Traffic Control Systems
- Remote video
- Many other 802.11 based Wi-Fi applications and devices.
More information on ImPact WLAN for Underground Mines can be at:
http://www.minesite.com.au/applications/operational-communications/
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TRACKER Tagging System
TRACKER relies on active RFID tags being detected by Readers (being our Impact Wi-Fi Access Points). Hence tracking is one of the applications available once an ImPact network is installed.
Tracking underground enables more cost effective use of resources through the better management of vehicle fleets and personnel. Additionally, the tracking system provides a powerful safety tool, particularly in the time following any major incident underground.
The active RFID Tags used in the tracking system are Wi-Fi Tags using 802.11 protocols and their signal propagates very effectively in an underground environment. The Wi-Fi Tags can be mounted in the ICCL cap lamp or stand alone with their own long-life battery pack.
More information on tracking can be seen at:
http://www.minesite.com.au/applications/underground-tracking-tagging/
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TRACKER Tagging System relies on active Tags communicating to Readers, being the ImPact Wireless Network Switches.
The Tags can be self contained or mounted in the cap lamp
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Proximity Detection System:
MST has extended our RFID Tracking System to allow Proximity Detection for workers around mobile equipment underground. The Proximity Detection System uses vehicle mounted RFID Receivers and Processing Units to alert drivers of personnel and other vehicles entering their vicinity.
Unlike other Proximity or Collision Avoidance Systems, MST’s system provides two distinct zones, Inner and Outer, for two levels of alert.
More information can be seen at: http://www.minesite.com.au/applications/proximity-detection/
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The Vehicle Intelligence module allows real-time vehicle diagnostic monitoring, as well as form the core processing unit for the Proximity Detection System |
Integrated Communications Cap Lamp (or ICCL)
 The ICCL is much more than just a miner's light, it can also contain any combination of PED Text Receiver, RFID Tag and/or Radio.
All in a package one third the weight and size of current lead-acid battery packs (see picture on the right).
See more information at:
http://www.minesite.com.au/products/ped-system/integrated-communications-cap-lamp/
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ICCL Miner's Cap Lamp
Picture shows ICCL with PED and Tag
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VDV Leaky Feeder Radio System
 Our VDV System is the most advanced VHF leaky feeder radio system available.
Capable of 16 Channels (32 if necessary) of two-way voice & data. VDV is operating in over 120 mines in Australia, USA, Chile, Canada and Mexico. VDV relies on the use of leaky coaxial cable run through the mine to act as an antenna.
Apart from standard two voice communications, the quality of VDV enables applications in telemetry and remote blasting. Remote telemetry and control of fans, pumps, etc. can give significant cost benefits to a mining operation.
VDV is often used in conjunction with PED. VDV's two way, line-of-sight signal coverage works well with PED's mine wide, one way coverage.
More information on VDV Leaky Feeder Radio can be found at:
http://www.minesite.com.au/products/leaky-feeder-radio-system/
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VDV Leaky Feeder Radio
A multi-channel, two-way voice & data system. Infinity Series Line Amplifier pictured |
PED Though-the-Earth Emergency Communications
PED is a through-the-earth communication system installed in over 180 mines. PED's unique ability to transmit directly through hundred of meters of rock strata enables it to provide true mine wide signal coverage. As such PED is used in many mines as the primary emergency warning system, as well as a general day to day communication system.
PED's emergency warning capability is well documented by MSHA, having been credited by MSHA and mine officials as being instrumental in saving a five lives at Willow Creek Coal Mine in 1998.
A range of receiver types increases the application of PED to more than just personal paging, as it is also extensively used for remote equipment control and remote blast initiation (see BlastPED below).
More information on PED can be found at:
http://www.minesite.com.au/applications/emergency-communications/
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PED Emergency Communication
Uses through-the-earth signals to ensure text messages can be sent to everyone in the mine form an antenna on the surface only.
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BlastPED Remote Blast Initiation
BlastPED remains the only 'radio' based remote blasting system in full time use at underground mines. Special receiver/exploders receive signals from the PED transmission system (or via the leaky feeder system) to allow the remote initiation of blasts.
High levels of security, and refinements during its 9 years of use have ensured BlastPED provides a more cost effective and safer solution to remote, centralized blasting than more traditional cable based systems. A version of BlastPED is also available for surface mines.
More information BlastPED remote blasting can be found at:
http://www.minesite.com.au/applications/remote-centralized-blasting/
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BlastPED allows safe remote initiation of blasts in mines through the use of remote receiver/exploders (pictured). |
Surface Mining Communications - Mobile Wireless Mesh Network
MST has formed an alliance with Rajant Corporation to incorporate their advanced Active Wireless Mesh & Control systems into our surface mining communication solutions.
Based on robust Wi-Fi based units known as BreadCrumbs®, Rajant's advanced technology simplifies the establishment of a mobile, mesh network .
Another version of BreadCrumb is used undergone to form a flexible extension from our fixed Impact network into active mining areas.
More information can be found at:
http://www.minesite.com.au/products/surface-network-equipment/ |
Wireless Mesh BreadCrumbs mounted on mobile equipment provide high data networks in open pit mines |
