Current Status

On January 16, 2009, MSHA published on its website the final guidance document (Program Policy Letter P09-V-01) for communications and tracking systems to assist with compliance to the MINER Act of 2006 ( http://www.msha.gov/regs/complian/pp... ).

As of January 30, 2009, MSHA is processing 33 approval applications for communications and tracking technology. Since the beginning of 2006, we have issued 71 new or revised approvals for communications and tracking products. Approvals granted in January include a new leaky feeder system approval for MineCom (thru Pyott Boone) and approval revisions to the Venture MineTracer Miner Location Monitoring and Text Messaging System and the Matrix Design Group RFID tracking system.

We have observed 58 tests or demonstrations of 31 different communications and/or tracking systems at various mine sites. We have met with representatives from 67 communications and tracking system companies. To date, we have had discussions with various vendors regarding 182 different proposals for development of mine communications and tracking systems.

http://www.msha.gov/techsupp/commoan...