Recent Trends in Communication Systems for Underground Mines

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of various communication systems for underground mines including voice and data communication. Development of Wired , semi wireless and wireless communications systems are discussed. Application of various communications systems in underground mines of USA, Australia, Canada, South Africa, European countries etc including indeginous experimetnal trials were illustrated. In this paper a brief review is given on the advanced communication systems adopted in various mines with a bird's eye view on the basic researches made in 1970-2000. Recent devices such as SIAMnet, TeleMag, PED, and VDV leaky feeder systems are discussed which provide voice, video and Mobile Data Communication at very high speed data with wireless applications. Impetus is given for urgent application of recent technologies on wireless communication in view of various disasters due to lack of communication in mines. Emphasis is made on the future applications of Electronics and Communications Technologies (ECT) for not only real time monitoring of men and machinery but also communication to the concerned persons such as machine operator/first line supervisor for taking necessary action at right time.