Active Control Technologies' two-way wireless voice communications, tracking and data system introduced in 2006 will be placed in the mines prior to federally mandated deadlines. The order is subject to conditions including the system's approval by the US Mine Safety and Health Administration, which is still pending.
In the meantime, work on placement of the first system will proceed; and once it is functional, installation will begin for the remaining four.
"We look forward to delivering the safety and operational benefits of ActiveMine to each of the five mines," said Active Control president Steve Barrett.
"At the same time, we remain fully engaged in discussions for additional purchases with other mine operators in West Virginia and other states."
ActiveMine was initially tested in mid-2006, with the company submitting the components of the unit to MSHA for approval earlier this year.
In July, the system received approval for use in West Virginia. The West Virginia Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training was the first government regulator to certify that ActiveMine was fully functional in accordance with new safety rules requiring emergency communications and tracking systems in underground coal mines.
"Underground coal mine operators can now be confident that ActiveMine delivers the communications and locating performance required under West Virginia's tough safety rules," Barrett said at the time.
"We have the technology and infrastructure in place to help them meet the regulations on time."
ActiveMine was designed to meet federal MINER Act requirements for wireless systems.
