Global Mining Guidelines Group

Underground Mine Communication Infrastructure Guidelines Part II: Scenarios and Applications 
Underground Mine Communication Infrastructure Guidelines Part II: Scenarios and Applications

Published: 2017-04-26
Working Group: Underground Mining 
Status: Under Review

ABSTRACT

This guideline, part two of a three-part series, is intended to provide guidance to an audience involved with the development of a mine during all phases of its lifecycle.  

This guideline provides a breakdown of eight underground mine communications scenarios based on two key mining values: safety and productivity.  

The eight different scenarios included are: 

  • Scenario 1: Operations Between Shifts 
  • Scenario 2: Accelerate Post-Blast Re-entry  
  • Scenario 3: Monitoring and Dispatching System  
  • Scenario 4: Auto Drilling Support   
  • Scenario 5: Autonomous Mining Activities   
  • Scenario 6: Underground Environment Monitoring and Analysis   
  • Scenario 7: Post-Accident Communication  
  • Scenario 8: Underground Mapping and Sampling  

Each of the scenarios outlines the challenges, objectives, values, and technologies used. The common solution in each scenario is the use of communication technology and infrastructure that helps relay information to the right personnel, whether that be management or the rescue team, to solve a challenge that may potentially risk the health and safety of personnel working in underground mines or productivity of an operation. 

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    OTHER PARTS OF THIS GUIDELINE SUITE

    GMG Guideline Mine Communications
    Underground Mine Communications Infrastructure Guidelines Part I - Positioning and Needs Analysis
    GMG Guideline Underground Mine Communications Infrastructure III
    Underground Communications Infrastructure Guidelines - Part III: General Guidelines

    FIGURES
    Figure 1. Example of Underground Mine Design Incorporating Remote-Controlled, Semi-Autonomous, and Autonomous Equipment
    Figure 2. Communications Support for Equipment Management and Programming during Auto-Drilling
    Figure 4. Mine Environment Monitoring Integrated With the Mine Communications Network
    Figure 5. Evacuation Notification
    Figure 6. Personnel Tracking Location
    Figure 7. Critical Information for Rescue Team
    Figure 9. Business Requirements during the Exploration Phase
    Figure 10. Business Requirements during the Advanced Exploration Phase
    Figure 11. Business Requirements during the Construction Phase
    Figure 12. Business Requirements during the Production Phase
    Figure 13. Business Requirements during the Mature Mine Phase
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