Coal Mining Intrinsically Safe Solutions
At MineARC, we understand the importance of safe refuge solutions in the coal mining industry. In consultation with the world’s leading mining companies and regional mining authorities, MineARC Systems manufactures a range of intrinsically safe (IS) refuge chambers and health and safety products engineered for underground coal mines.
Following the introduction of the ‘Miner Act’ into the United States in 2006; making refuge chambers mandatory in coal mines, MineARC invested heavily in the research and development of our patented intrinsically safe CoalSAFE Refuge Chamber. By 2010, the CoalSAFE had become the first refuge chamber in the world to receive MA Centre Certification in China – the compulsory certification for the Chinese coal mining industry.
MineARC’s CoalSAFE Refuge Chambers can be built to comply with the Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) federal regulations 30 CFR Refuge Alternatives for Underground Coal Mines’ or to other recognised standards as required.
Industry Impact
WV Office of Miners’ Health, Safety & Training Approval
IHST, Inc. Independent Human Testing
Chinese MA Centre Certified
Powerless Technology for Intrinsically Safe Operation
MineARC’s patented MARCis life-support system has the capacity to provide both powerless CO-CO2 scrubbing and air conditioning to a refuge chamber or control room. Due to its powerless design, the MARCis system is intrinsically safe, meaning it is incapable of causing an explosion in a coal mining environment.
MARCis is powered by compressed liquid carbon dioxide, which provides both cooling and powers the scrubber’s fan. Utilising a sequential operating procedure, MARCis can be activated in less than 60 seconds when required.
Underground Control and Utility Rooms
MineARC offers a range of control and utility-style rooms for day-to-day use in underground coal mining. These steel structures can be used as a collaborative environment for managing and monitoring daily operation and production activities, or alternatively as a crib-room area for scheduled break periods.
MineARC Control Rooms are general insulated and air-conditioned, with viewing windows and power access points. They can also be provided with ergonomic seating, compressed air and gas monitoring.
Waste Management Systems for Underground Coal Mining
Based on the success of the award-winning EnviroLAV Waste Management System in other industries, MineARC has developed an intrinsically safe toilet that can be utilised in underground coal mining.
Designed to be simple to operate and maintain, the EnviroLAV Toilet is a robust, semi-permanent structure that can be used both above and below ground wherever there is access to compressed air. It’s most unique benefit lies in the requirement to empty just once every 12 months based on standard usage and temperature conditions; providing a significant cost saving to sites in the general maintenance of their toilet facilities.
Latest News
Safety Share: Dave’s Story
Dave shares his personal experience waiting in an underground refuge chamber during a mining emergency.
A Guide to Selecting the Best Portable Mine Toilet [Infographic]
A checklist of 12 critical points to help you select the best portable toilet for an above or underground mine.
Refuge Chamber Standards: Quality Without Compromise
A refuge chamber that doesn’t meet standard requirements cannot safeguard against an emergency. Lower quality, or unmaintained chambers, put people at risk.