WMS president Bill Hensler told International Longwall News that the specific companies that submitted purchase orders of $1.9 million and $4 million are being kept under wraps, but that the wired communications systems will be installed at seven mines in the state of West Virginia.

The orders for full system infrastructures were received last week, he confirmed, adding that the installations will occur within the next three months.

As one of the largest communications technology distributors, Hensler said it looks forward to continued success for WMS this year as it conducts ongoing talks with other operators.

“This is just the top of the iceberg. We expect even more purchase orders by [US] mid-summer," he said.