Mining Publication: Underground Mine Communications, Control and Monitoring

Since 1969, the Bureau of Mines, U.S. Department of the Interior, has sponsored numerous programs aimed at improving methods of underground communication. As a result of these research and development programs, a wealth of information has been made available to the mining industry. Unfortunately, some of this material is highly analytical and most is written in terms best understood by communication specialists. Because of the volume of data (over 100 studies have been performed) and its highly technical nature, most of the information is not readily available for practical application by mine operators. This manual brings together relevant data from all previous reports, studies, and other sources, and presents these data in such a way that they may be applied by the mining industry to improve communications in underground mines. The report is intended as a guideline and not as a comprehensive documentary of mine equipment.