Mining

Mines can be dangerous and frightening places.  They are dark, wet, and thousands of feet underground.  There is often just an elevator or two to service hundreds of personnel on multiple levels, hundreds of feet apart or more.  Communications are typically accomplished using portable radios which leverage a cabled system known as "leaky feeder."  The capital costs of these systems are high (over $300 per foot, installed), and maintenance costs can also be prohibitive.

Vital Alert offers an effective alternative that is significantly more cost effective.  Because it is wireless, there are no expensive cables to install or maintain.  It works with and extends the reach of existing communications and warning systems.  It can be deployed at the drill face and in other areas where leaky feeder systems do not exist.

We are currently conducting a proof-of-concept trial for our 2 way voice communications system at Totten Mine in Sudbury.  Totten is owned by Vale Inco, one of the world's largest mining companies.