Mining Publication: Through-the-earth Electromagnetic Trapped Miner Location Systems. A Review

In its role of providing technical assistance to the mining industry, the Bureau of Mines Tuscaloosa Research Center has conducted research to develop trapped miner location systems that would aid in locating miners trapped by underground mining disasters. Efforts to produce electromagnetic systems for the location of trapped miners underground and to communicate with them were surveyed, from the 1920s to 1981. Theoretical studies of through-the-earth electromagnetic transmissions are described as well as studies of the electrical characteristics of various rocks, minerals, and soil. Several trapped miner location systems are reviewed including the Westinghouse systems, the DEVELCO system, and an automated three-dimensional location system, and the phase difference of arrival technique. Tangential research relevant to trapped miner location systems is described. A comprehensive bibliography covering all aspects of trapped miner, through-the- earth electromagnetic location, and communications systems is appended.