The system is currently being placed underground and will be operational by the end of the month. The mine, which has a 20-year coal reserve, will share communications and tracking details with an adjacent mine where ActiveMine is already installed.

“This will allow workers to move between both mines using the same phones, which will also act as tracking devices,” ACT officials said.

“This feature adds to efficiency and reduces costs, and will give dispatchers accurate knowledge of worker locations in or out of both mines.”

ACT did not identify the customer but noted that the system was the operator’s third system purchase. The newest system is a hybrid that will use fibre and wireless technology.

"This customer understands our approach to technology and is using the advantages of ActiveMine to be a safe and profitable mining company," company president Cameron Sturgess said.

The value of the transaction was not disclosed.

ACT received federal approval for the final component of ActiveMine, the wireless Wi-Fi telephone units, in late April 2009.

The first regulatory approval for the system was for its RFID Wi-Fi Tags, which were deemed intrinsically safe by MSHA in September 2008.