“IWT 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,” officials for Innovative noted.

The evaluation, which included the system’s wireless voice and data capabilities, was completed at International Coal Group’s Sentinel operation in West Virginia for industry personnel as well as NIOSH researchers, and with a successful result.

“NIOSH has authorised 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,” IWT officials said, adding that a complete unit will be installed at Sentinel next month.

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

L-3, based in New York and known as a large US government contractor, was established in 1997 from the purchase of 10 former Lockheed Martin business units when Lockheed merged with Martin Marietta and did not wish to include them in its business plan.

Disclaimer: Reference to NIOSH does not constitute a NIOSH commercial endorsement of the products or services of L-3 GS&ES or its partners.