Innovative Wireless Technologies (IWT), a wireless solutions provider, successfully completed the in-mine operation demonstration of its wireless mesh communications technology at the International Coal Group’s Sentinel Mine in Philippi, West Virginia.

 

The demonstration is a part of L-3 Communications' (News - Alert) Wireless Mesh Mine Communications System which aims to offer reliable data and voice communication systems in an underground coal mine to ensure the safety and well-being of the miners.

 

"This testing validates IWT's wireless communication solution to provide simultaneous voice, data, and tracking to meet the needs of miners and first responders," said Eric Hansen, president and CEO of IWT.

 

IWT said it is providing its communications technology to the team led by L-3's Global Security & Engineering Solutions (GS&ES) division which is currently developing the system under a research and design contract from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). NIOSH is the federal agency that conducts research to prevent job-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths.

 

The NIOSH project is aiming to have an efficient underground communication system that can offer in-mine and mine to surface voice and data communications and ensure complete safety and reliability.

 

The testing included demonstrations of wireless voice and data capabilities. NIOSH has authorized the L-3 GS&ES team to enter into the final phase of the research and development contract, which will result in a commercially-available product for the mining industry by the end of the year.

 

The L-3 team will deploy a complete system in ICG's Sentinel mine in August 2008 and the final commercial version of the system will be available to the mining industry in 2009.

 

Hansen added, "IWT is pleased to be part of the L-3 Communications team selected by NIOSH to deliver a wireless mesh communications system in response to the MINER Act of 2006"