Underground mining communication system put into pilot industrial operation at JSC PIMCU mines

The operational communication system is based on the use of Canadian-made FLEXCOM equipment, allowing to simultaneously combine installation and operation of the equipment. Therefore, since as early as February, the underground mining communication system has been under test mode operation at the Gluboky Mine and Mines Nos. 8 and 1.

The equipment is tuned to receive specific radio frequencies for each mine. It enables the personnel to communicate between each other and with mine’s dispatcher. The radio sets also provide access to industrial and engineering communication (local telephone numbers). Furthermore, mine rescue team’s radio sets are adjusted to the mines’ frequencies, which makes it possible to ensure immediate response in case of emergency.

So far, the system includes 315 radio sets. By the year end, this number is planned to be increased up to 630 sets.

The main objective of the project is to enhance personnel occupational safety. “The system enables us to coordinate staff activity under emergencies as accurately as possible and also to receive information about personnel location in case of an accident. Robust communication with miners ensures more prompt resolution of process-related problems,” explained Sergey Shurygin, JSC PIMCU Director General.

Within the framework of this project, employees from the mines, the central instrumentation and control group, as well as from other JSC PIMCU subdivisions completed training on Operation and Maintenance of the FLEXCOM Underground Radio Communication and Data Transmission System. Each of 70 staff members received appropriate certificates. Thus, further maintenance and, if necessary, repair works may be performed using own forces.