The system consists of pressurised concrete piping that will contain communications and tracking devices and offer fresh air refuge in an underground mine accident.
After hearing from keynote speaker West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin, the 100-strong launch crowd were permitted into a faux smoke chamber and then, if they chose, into and through the 42-inch pipe.
"We have made changes that no one ever thought could be done," Manchin told the crowd.
He said that the industry was working both to improve mine safety and burn coal cleanly and that while there was still much to do to convince the public of its efforts, the industry was clearly making progress.
"We're going to change, and we did that in one day, change, really, the face of mine safety and keeping miners safe, and our commitment is further progress," Manchin said.
A group of miners were on hand to provide a demonstration of the tunnel, which MSHA said could be sized to fit an operation's needs but recommended 36in diameter piping.
For the sake of the demonstration, it used 42in piping extending for about 100ft.
Installed in a mine, entries for miners would be available about every 2000ft and would offer not only fresh air, but protection of the tracking and communications systems while carrying miners forward using an electrical cart similar to a creeper.
"This is a system approach. It combines the best of everything and we think ... that if it had been in place with some of the recent disasters, it would have saved lives," said MSHA A&CC chief John Faini.
MSHA considers the system, which would encompass components that would all be permissible and intrinsically safe, one of the best options for mine safety.
To tackle mine floor grade concerns sections of the system are available in 7.5% grade measurements that could be fitted into the design.
MSHA's Joe Judekis noted the ease of miner training for the Great Escape's use - basically just finding an entry, climbing in and beginning the trek.
"Beeline for this, and you'll be in fresh air ... you're on your way out," Judekis summarised.
While miners made their way through the system, the launch crowd witnessed the communications and tracking technology within the demonstration system, provided by Tunnel Radio and Matrix Design Group for presentation purposes.
Manchin offered his appreciation for the work the industry has done to better mine safety.
"Thank you for your hard work and cooperation. You don't often see that happen ... coming together ... I'm proud of you," he said.
Check out the December edition of American Longwall Magazine for more information on the Great Escape including demonstration photos, benefits and design considerations, and some industry representatives' feedback on the new technology.
