The document provides an overview of various communication systems used in mines including: 1. Centralized control rooms that monitor equipment using fiber optic connections and video cameras to increase safety and productivity. 2. Telephone, radio, and wireless systems for person-to-person communication. 3. Remote control systems for person-to-machine communication like blast initiation. 4. Automatic systems like conveyor tracking and truck dispatch for machine-to-machine communication. 5. Data from these systems is stored centrally and analyzed to manage operations and make informed decisions through a management information system.

2. Details about the communication systems used in mines…

3. 2. Objective:

4. The objective of this document is to provide a preliminary understanding of different communication systems and devices used in effective operation of the Mine/Pit along with the other connected units like Power Plant, Washery, Coal handling plant, township etc. It also includes the information about Truck Dispatch System (TDS) for productive utilization of the equipment to achieve the targets. This also includes data management and MIS for managing the business in cost effective manner.

5. Definitions:

6. ICT – Information and Communication Technology

7. TDS– Truck Dispatch System

8. GPS – Global Positioning System

9. GPRS – General Packet Radio Service

10. PBX – Private Branch eXchange

11. PABX - Private Automatic Branch eXchange

12. EPABX - Electronic Private Automatic Branch eXchange

13. PSTN – Public Switched Telephone Network

14. VOIP – Voice Over Internet Protocol

15. HMI - Human Machine Interface

16. SCADA - Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition

17. DLC – Direct Link Communication

18. PLC – Programmable Logic Controller

19. RFID – Radio Frequency Identification

20. Wi-Fi – Wireless Fidelity

21. 3. Information and Communication Technology (ICT):

22. Communication is the flow of information from one entity to another.

23. Basically mining is a hazardous job involving lot of risks and series of challenges along with the huge investments for equipment and skilled manpower. So a reliable communication platform can reduce the gaps between the effective utilization of the equipment with zero accident potential and also helps in proper management of emergency situations.

24. DGMS also included in their action plan and road map regarding the interconnectivity between different systems present in the mine using the latest Information and Communication Technology (ICT) like GPS, GPRS, Micro-seismic systems to monitor the workings and other associated alarm systems.

25. The basic models of communication systems are classified into

26. Person(s) to Person(s)

27. Person to Machine

28. Machine to Persons

30. PBX also with connection to PSTN

31. VOIP (voice-over-internet protocol) phone systems

32. Wireless communication devices

34. Conveyor belt scaling system

35. In-Line Coal analysis system

36. PGNAA (Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis) analyzers with an integrated input hopper and sample conveyor in smaller footprints

37. Dual-gamma ash meters with swing-arm sensors

38. Ash gauges based upon natural gamma emitters in the ash (potassium and thorium)

39. CNA (Controlled Neutron Analysis) using a fully controlled electric neutron source utilizing the robust PFTNA (Pulsed Fast & Thermal Neutron Analysis) analysis techniques

40. Pre indication of Maintenance of the equipment

41. TDS

42. Block flow diagrams of different systems currently in operation.

43. Security monitoring systems

45. Emergency Response/Communication System

47. Unstructured Data – notes, emails, personnel knowledge. This type of data is not as easily utilized but represents the next frontier of information management and knowledge sharing.

48. Metadata – data that describes the properties or characteristics of other data and puts the data into a context that makes it understandable. Example is geologic codes in a database that relate geological intercepts to know rock types.A centrally located server is to be maintained within the purview of central control room and all the data related to different systems and operations is to be dumped into the server and accessed by different users from various places by connecting to the LAN system provided in their respective offices.<br />10. Management Information System:<br />Management Information System (M.I.S.) is basically concerned with collection, storing and processing data into information which is then communicated to the various Departments in the organization for appropriate decision-making.<br />All the activities right from a worker entering into the mine to product going out the mine are recorded by different systems and stored in a centrally located server and this data is organized and converted into useful information by using the different software applications and sent in an appropriate form to the appropriate persons at right time.<br />An MIS provides the following advantages. <br />It facilitates planning: MIS improves the quality of plants by providing relevant information for sound decision making. Due to increase in the size and complexity of organizations, managers have lost personal contact with the scene of operations. <br />It minimizes information overload: MIS change the larger amount of data in to summarize form and there by avoids the confusion which may arise when managers are flooded with detailed facts. <br />MIS Encourages Decentralization: Decentralization of authority is possibly when there is a system for monitoring operations at lower levels. MIS is successfully used for measuring performance and making necessary change in the organizational plans and procedures. <br />It brings Co ordination: MIS facilities integration of specialized activities by keeping each department aware of the problem and requirements of other departments. It connects all decision centers in the organization. <br />It makes control easier: MIS serves as a link between managerial planning and control. It improves the ability of management to evaluate and improve performance. The used computers has increased the data processing and storage capabilities and reduced the cost. <br />11. Suppliers of different Communication devices:<br />(Please press control key and click on the below name then it will open the respective vendor site)<br />Active Control Technology Inc.AFL TelecommunicationsAnchises Technology Co., LTD.Applied Mining Technologies.Austdac Pty. Ltd.Becker Mining SystemsCapRock Communications, Inc.Comtrol InternationalCON-SPACE CommunicationsGamma Services International, Inc.Global Security & Engineering SolutionsGrace Industries Inc.HelicommHirschmann Automation and ControlHLS Hard-Line Solutions, Inc.Hose-McCann CommunicationsIdentec SolutionsIP Access InternationalITC GlobalLOGIMINE S.A.R.L.Meshdynamics, Inc.MinecomMine Radio Systems Inc.Mine Site TechnologiesMineTracerModular Mining Systems, Inc.NL Technologies Inc.Optical Cable CorporationPyott-Boone ElectronicsRajant CorporationSchauenburg Flexadux Corp.Stolar Horizon Inc.Subterracom Wireless SolutionsTransTekTunnel Radio of AmericaVaris - Smart Underground CommunicationsVital Alert Communications Inc.VUANCE Ltd.Wholesale Mine Supply<br />