The agency says Venture Design Services Inc. has a system that will use low voltage DC power cables to keep track of mining crews. The power cables would become de-energized during an emergency and the system would then operate on low voltage batteries.

MSHA Director Richard Stickler says the company also has plans to advance its system by installing text messaging and gas detection systems in the future.

MSHA has issued three-dozen new or revised approvals for communication and tracking systems in less than two years. Venture Design Services received the first "official" approval Thursday.

The federal MINER Act requires says mine operators must choose wireless communications and electronic tracking systems by June 2009. The state of West Virginia required coal operators to have their plans submitted by late last year.

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