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NIOSH Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award
Keywords: Mine operators Safety incentives
On This Page
How to Apply
2021 Award Winners
2020 Award Winners
2019 Award Winners
2018 Award Winners
2017 Award Winners
2016 Award Winners
2015 Award Winners
2014 Award Winners
2013 Award Winners
2012 Award Winners
Background: The Challenge of Applying Technologies in Mining
The NIOSH Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award recognizes mines and companies that have made an extraordinary effort to apply technology or improve processes in innovative ways, above and beyond mandatory requirements, to improve mine worker safety and health.
In mining, technology should not be a one-time “fix” but rather an evolving and continuously improving process of applying new and better technologies and systems to solve problems. To recognize these safety milestones, NIOSH created the Technology Innovations Award with the goal of promoting technology identification, adoption, and dissemination throughout the mining industry. Mines and companies that qualify are invited to self-apply.

How to Apply
The nomination process is simple. Send an email to the Associate Director for Mining answering these questions:
Which sector is most applicable to your submission? Choose either **metal**, **coal**, **industrial minerals**, or **stone, sand & gravel**
What problem were you solving?
What is the technology or process and how does it work?
How did you modify and evaluate the technology or process to solve your specific problem?
What did you do to implement the technology or process at your mine?
What health and safety benefits have been realized or are expected
What mining operation or company is implementing the technology?
Who is the primary contact for this submission? (Name, email address, phone number)Dr. John Howard presenting the 2014 NIOSH Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations AwardsDr. John Howard presents the 2014 NIOSH Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Awards.
Pictures and diagrams are optional but may be attached to your submission to help us understand the technology. The submission does not need to be elaborately produced and the text can be in lay terms. NIOSH will contact you if we need further clarification during the review process.
When we receive your nomination we will send you an acknowledgement and additional information on what to expect during the evaluation process.
Although nominations will be accepted throughout the year, please note that awards are given annually and the award date will correspond to the meeting date for the sponsoring organization. In order to allow time for full consideration of each nomination, nominations must be received no later than the listed deadline. Nominations received after the deadline will automatically be considered for an award in the subsequent year.
Sector***(click for printable flyer)***
Award Venue
Nomination Deadline
Meeting DateIndustrial Minerals
Essential Minerals Association conference in Washington DC
August 15, 2024
Oct. 2024Stone, Sand, and Gravel
NSSGA Legislative & Policy Forum
August 15, 2024
Sept. 2024Metal
NMA Safety Award Ceremony
August 15, 2024
Oct. 2024Coal
NMA Safety Award Ceremony
August 15, 2024
Oct. 2024For questions, email us at mining@cdc.gov, or call 412-386-5302.
2023 Award Winners
Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevention (Industrial Minerals)
Imerys installed multiple lift assist devices and redesigned a packing station to include numerous features to eliminate repetitive shoulder, arm, and wrist twisting, as well as shoulder and back lifting of bottles and boxes. The improvements also boosted production.
2023 Metal Award Winners Hecla Mining receive their award from Dr. Steve Sawyerrd certificate. 20232 Metal Award Winners Helca Mining receive their award from Dr. Steve Sawyer.
Underground Closed Bench Mining Method (Metal)
Hecla developed the innovative Underhand Closed Bench (UCB) mining method for proactive control of fault-slip seismicity in deep, high-stress, narrow-vein mining. The UCB method has significantly improved safety, reducing the Lucky Friday all-injury frequency rate by more than 50 percent.
Wireless Gas Monitor (Coal)
Innovative Wireless Technologies developed a next-generation Wireless Gas Monitor (WGM) using a multi-sensor platform. Deployed at Arch Resources’ Leer Mine, the rapidly deployable system provides real-time situational awareness and visibility of atmospheric conditions.
2022 Award Winners
Electrical Cable Isolation (Industrial Minerals)
Genesis Alkali engineers invented an improved extraction well system that utilizes a well casing and an extension casing to ensure isolation of electrical components from potentially hazardous mine gases. The technology was invented by Genesis Alkali engineers and it provides an extra layer of protection to ensure the electrical components are isolated from the mine atmosphere while still allowing water to enter the pump intake. Permit applications are pending to allow the company’s Westvaco Mine to implement the technology.
Drone Mapping Technology (Metal)
Emesent Pty. Ltd. incorporated specialized drone autonomy technology at the Glencore Kidd Mine to map inaccessible underground areas and thereby remove personnel from areas at risk of ground falls. Rather than depending on mining engineers and surveyors to map unsupported voids, Emesent now deploys a drone system that uses LiDAR data and advanced algorithms. The drone and mapping technology generate accurate 3D point clouds of the scanned environment, capturing critical visuals in places such as stopes, drawpoints, orepasses, and drives, all while keeping personnel away from unstable ground.
2022 Coal Award Winners CONSOL Energy pose with their award certificate. 2022 Coal Award Winners CONSOL Energy pose with their award certificate.
Improved Scoop Bucket (Coal)
CONSOL Energy Inc. collaborated with the Simmons Equipment Company to develop the S360 scoop bucket. The S360 bucket can lift and lower rather than merely tilt up or down, and other safety benefits. Not only can a scoop operator quickly change between attachments, but tramming and hauling supplies becomes safer for pedestrian workers with improved operator visibility. CONSOL is currently replacing its fleet of scoops with the new S360.
Strategic Use of Stope Hole (Stone, Sand & Gravel)
Peckham Industries implemented a strategic stope hole at its Wingdale, New York, underground aggregates operation to deliver rock mined in the surface quarry down to the underground operation close to the primary and secondary crushers. In doing so, the mine brought more workers above ground to safer conditions, eliminated excessive transport time needed to move the crushers, and addressed community concerns about noise, dust, and visual impacts of the mine. Using the stope hole has also allowed the mine to eliminate long haul distances on steep grades, leave a scenic ridge untouched, and realize efficiencies in equipment, fuel, and time.

2021 Award Winners
Advanced Proximity Integration on Mobile Underground Equipment (Coal)
Matrix Design Group combined multiple technologies to improve proximity detection for battery scoops in underground coal mines. Matrix Design Group updated battery scoop proximity systems to allow for custom detection zones, enhanced range and stability, lighting, and audible alarms. They developed and installed an Enhanced Status Screen to show operators the nearest miner, as well as detailed on-machine diagnostic information. They also added intuitive operator controls for new warning lights and audible alarms. These advancements have improved operation of the battery scoop and helped reinforce safe work habits for mining personnel.
COVID-19 Pandemic Response Plan (Metal)
Coeur Mining implemented a comprehensive pandemic response plan to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at their worksites. Coeur Mining combined multiple technologies in this effort, including online site access screening, a dashboard to manage COVID-19 testing data, and wearable contact tracing badges for all employees. This allowed Coeur Mining to quickly identify asymptomatic and symptomatic positive cases of COVID-19, trace employee exposures, and prevent further transmission.

Using Contact-tracing Badges to Limit the Spread of COVID-19 (Industrial Minerals)
Imerys Performance Minerals Americas introduced contact-tracing technology to manage social distancing and track exposures to COVID-19 at their worksites. Imerys provided wearable contact-tracing badges to all personnel and used the data collected to improve social distancing measures or add exposure controls. These measures delivered additional capacity to contain the potential spread of COVID-19.

Applying ISO 23875 to Improve Air Quality in a Haul Truck Cab (Stone, Sand & Gravel)
Lowrys Quarry retrofitted a haul truck to comply with ISO 23875 and improve air quality in the cab. To reduce dust accumulation and manage CO2 levels, Lowrys Quarry installed a real-time CO2 and pressure monitor, a recirculation filtration system, and an air intake filter. With the new technology in place, the air quality in the cab met or exceeded ISO 23875 requirements. These measures resulted in a healthier work environment for haul truck operators.

2020 Award Winners
Using AI and Technology to Prevent Equipment Collisions (Coal)
Matrix Design Group developed a system that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to prevent collisions of mobile surface equipment, as well as collisions involving machines and workers. The system uses a network of rugged cameras paired with AI and computer vision technology to alert operators to blind spots and hazards. The adaptable system can be set as a Collision Warning System or as a Collision Avoidance System with controls to slow or stop equipment. Matrix partnered with River View Coal, LLC, to install the system on a haul truck and plans for more installations.
Haul Truck Operator Scorecard (Metal)
Freeport-McMoRan Inc. paired multiple existing sensor technologies on haul trucks with big data technology to detect operator behaviors that fall outside of established safe operating practices. The company combined the technologies and a sophisticated algorithm into one application to identify opportunities for improvement. Using millions of data points generated daily by technologies across multiple mining sites allows Freeport-McMoRan to provide timely, relevant information back to haul truck operators, supervisors, and trainers. The company tested the application extensively both virtually and in the field with equipment operators, resulting in tremendous improvement in the health and safety of their operations.

Keeping Its Workforce Safe During COVID-19 (Industrial Minerals)
Genesis Alkali, LLC is using innovative approaches to keep its workforce safe and operational throughout the pandemic. An enhanced IT infrastructure lets office staff work from home and web-enabled tablets allow inspections to be shared live over the Internet. Innovations in work scheduling and virtual meetings prevent crowding in the mine and offices. Non-essential visitors are kept offsite entirely. Filter masks are provided and mandated when workers are within six feet of others. Handwashing and social distancing are encouraged through signage and stickers, while enhanced cleaning protocols are followed throughout the facility. As a result, Genesis Alkali has not traced any positive cases to onsite interactions.

Keeping Its Workforce Safe During COVID-19 (Stone, Sand & Gravel)
Suwannee American Cement is keeping its workforce safe and operational during the pandemic by using multiple innovations. Hygiene innovations include a touchless timeclock, touchless temperature stations, and conveniently located stations for hand washing and PPE. Employee contact is reduced through smaller work groups and directional workflows in common areas. Innovative procedures have been added for PPE usage requirements, special disinfecting technologies, and response protocols to COVID-positive situations. These innovations and other steps are communicated through text messaging, an e-newsletter, virtual meetings, large video displays. Mandatory training has been moved online. The company’s early response, personalized approach from expert recommendations and these innovations have likely contributed to minimal incidence of COVID-19 among the workforce during an unprecedented pandemic.

2019 Award Winners
Misting Technology to Reduce Silica Dust (Industrial Minerals)
Sibelco implemented an innovative technology to control the hazard of respirable silica dust. When operators of Sibelco’s Crystal Plant warehouse and packaging area in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, noted rising silica levels as a result of production increases, they created a plan to reduce those levels. After assessing the control needs at the warehouse and identifying problem areas, the plant team incorporated a FOGCO misting system, virtually eliminating airborne silica. Sibelco reports that operators’ dust reading concentrations have fallen to about half of the previous year’s levels.
Dr. Jessica Kogel presents the 2019 Industrial Minerals Award to Sibelco.Dr. Jessica Kogel presents the 2019 Industrial Minerals Award to Sibelco.
Blind Spot Awareness Training (Coal)
The Gillette College Industry Safety Training Center, the Wyoming MSHA State Grant program, in developing a virtual mine tour has developed a stand-alone blind spot awareness training. This simulation combines 360-degree photos from an operating mine, GoPro and drone footage, and virtual reality technology that allows users to virtually experience blind spots from within 10 pieces of commonly used equipment in coal mines, including a haul truck and a dragline. Text from related MSHA regulations is incorporated into the training as an educational tool. The Center will use this technology in its new miner and refresher trainings, reaching approximately 4,000 miners per year.
George Luxbacher (top left), presents the 2019 NIOSH Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award for coal to the Gillette College Industry Safety Training Center. (Click for larger image)
Laddertube Escapeway System (Metal)
Safescape—an international company specializing in practical innovations for mines—developed and commercialized the Laddertube, a more durable and easier-to-climb escapeway ladder than a traditional steel or timber option. Steel ladders used in U.S. underground mines corrode over time and their installation requires welding, while handbuilt timber ladders degrade and are subject to debris buildup that can slow an escape and endanger climbers. As a modular escapeway ladder installed in segments within a thick polyethylene liner, the Laddertube also enables the use of a static line permanent fall arrest system and rest areas inside the ladderway as added safety benefits.
George Luxbacher (right), presents the 2019 NIOSH Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award for metal to Safescape. (Click for larger image)
"The Worst Question" Video (Stone, Sand & Gravel)
As part of its annual safety training, Carmeuse Lime & Stone shares a 10-minute video featuring personal testimony from an experienced barge worker about a work-related accident leading to a compound fracture and torn tendon in his finger. Shipping its products by barge, the company stresses the need for safety around heavy equipment and amidst dynamic conditions. The video provides a relatable story about the need for daily communication about safety, helping to contribute to the company’s lowest-ever reportable injury rate. As the worker poignantly states, “The worst question you’ll ever have . . . is the one you don’t ask.”

2018 Award Winners
Proximity Detection System for Longwall Shields (Coal)
Ordinarily, shield movement is automated and therefore could result in crushing or pinning injuries to workers in close proximity. Consol Energy partnered with Komatsu Mining to develop and test a shield proximity system for use in the U.S. that combines low-power wireless transceivers and worker-worn battery-powered tags to protect nearby workers. When a worker is detected, the shields are prevented from moving until the worker is clear of the danger. Consol and Komatsu deployed the system in a highly active longwall face and refined the system's parameters, addressing appropriate distance between the shield and proximity pad, as well as lost tag notifications.
RJ Matetic presents the 2018 Technology Innovations Award for coal to Consol Energy and Komatsu Mining.Adam Smith (top row, first on left), Dr. R.J. Matetic (top row, second from right), and Hal Quinn (top row, right), president of the National Mining Association present the 2018 NIOSH Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award for coal to representatives from Consol Energy and Komatsu Mining. (Click for larger image)
Operational Intelligence Suite Application (Metal)
With so many sensor systems and controls possibilities in a mine environment, it can be difficult to keep tabs on them all, let alone respond swiftly enough to address hazards and high exposure levels. Anglo American created the Operational Intelligence Suite (OiS) application that works with off-the-shelf, real-time sensors to detect a range of health hazards (e.g., noise, dust, gases) as well as controls (e.g., airflow, pressures). This app allows for real-time visualization of occupational health and environmental key performance indicators when employees may be at risk of exposure, enabling proactive avoidance of potential violations before they occur. OiS installations have enhanced safety at several worksites with early detection of a control failure, process leak, or change in the work environment, initiating corrective action and preventing employee exposure.
RJ Matetic presents the 2018 Technology Innovations Award for metal to Anglo American.Adam Smith (left), Dr. R.J. Matetic (second from right), Hal Quinn (right), president of the National Mining Association, present the 2018 NIOSH Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award for metal to Anglo American. (Click for larger image)
Moisture-Tolerant Rock Dust (Industrial Minerals)
Mixing rock dust with coal dust is necessary to guard against propagation of explosions in coal mines, but rock dusts vary in their critical ability to disperse when wet. Imerys created a moisture-tolerant rock dust by blending conventional rock dust with treated calcium carbonate to offer an optimal solution for mines. Cooperative testing with NIOSH demonstrated that the treated particles fill in void spaces between untreated rock dust particles, blocking the wicking action that allows water to penetrate conventional rock dust. Imerys ImerCoal MT moisture-tolerant rock dust is commercially available and is being used in coal mines throughout North America.
Dust Reduction Systems (Stone, Sand & Gravel)
Dealing with the health hazards of respirable crystalline silica dust is a longstanding challenge for the mining industry. Wisconsin Proppants Operations successfully reduced airborne exposures to crystalline silica and respirable dust generated during frac sand production by installing two systems to control these dusts at the Wisconsin Proppants Hixton Mine. The company’s use of a dense phase conveying system and a fogging system around rotex screens achieved dust reductions that offered measurable protections to workers.

2017 Award Winners
Three-Point Seatbelt Restraint System (Coal)
During sudden jolts or rollover events, a driver can be tossed violently in a cab, even while restrained with a traditional lap belt. Injuries can happen—leaving some drivers with permanent damage. Peabody Energy Corporation launched an effort to better restrain drivers in their truck seats after an April 2016 event in which a truck load shifted dramatically, causing one of their haul truck operators to experience a lower back compression fracture. The company set about to prevent these sort of injuries by working to design a three-point seat belt with electronic controls that locks the driver in place when a sudden shift or potential rollover event is detected. These new seat restraints are now installed in their haul trucks.
RJ Matetic presents the 2017 Technology Innovations Award for coal to Peabody Energy Corp.Dr. R.J. Matetic presents the 2017 NIOSH Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award for coal to representatives from Peabody Energy Corporation. (Click for larger image)
Redesigned Strike Hammer (Metal)
The design of strike hammers previously used at Kinross Gold Corporation left the workers using them at risk of two things: airborne contaminants that could be kicked up when the slag is fractured, and pieces of hot slag ejecting out of the molds which could lead to serious burns. Finding that the industry lacked a strike hammer that suited their desire to control the ejection of broken slag and contaminants, the company set about designing, developing, and engineering the specific tool needed. Kinross Gold’s newly engineered hammer controls airborne contaminants and prevents hot, loose slag from ejecting when workers fracture slag in assay molds. This redesign offers greater protection to fire assay technicians.
RJ Matetic presents the 2017 Technology Innovations Award for metal to representatives of Kinross Gold Corporation.Dr. R.J. Matetic (left) presents the 2017 NIOSH Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award for metal to Randy Burggraff, Patti Tschirgi, and Ryan Horn of Kinross Gold Corporation. (Click for larger image)
Use of Technology to Safeguard Employees (Metal)
The word "drones" may call to mind their uses in warfare or recreation, but one company has put them to work in a novel way. Rather than send workers into hazardous areas to survey mine sites, Freeport-McMoRan has begun using a drone to give them a bird’s eye view of their mine environment. The military-grade drone was modified to allow it to carry technology capable of recording high-quality images and streaming live video. The drone is used to inspect highwalls, tailings, large mill buildings, power lines, traffic flows, and several other aspects of their operations, including providing an additional aerial safety check in advance of blasting and documenting blast sequencing. The use of the drone reduces the risk of falls from heights, electrocutions, injury or death from highwall failures, and provides an extra measure of safety for mine operators who no longer must venture out to hazardous locations for a first look. The drone’s imaging system can transmit streaming video, and take very clear pictures for mapping purposes.
RJ Matetic presents the 2017 Technology Innovations Award for metal to representatives of Freeport-McMoRan.Dr. R.J. Matetic (left) presents the 2017 NIOSH Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award for metal to representatives from Freeport-McMoRan. (Click for larger image)
Health and Wellness Program (Stone, Sand & Gravel Sector)
Fitness for duty can be negatively affected if a company's workforce struggles with numerous health challenges. Granite Mountain Quarries and Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel Company began a health and wellness program for employees and their spouses in order to address a growing concern that worker health might compromise the safety of the job site. The multi-operation company rewarded healthy habits and healthy behavior through cash and HRA contributions. Many employees lost weight and stopped smoking. About half of employees now regularly get annual physicals, and many of those employees have either begun taking medications to address previously unknown issues, or been able to stop taking medication due to weight loss and better health habits. The company states that their workforce now reports to work energetic, alert, and ready to concentrate on the task at hand.
Hal F. Williford Jr. of NSSGA and R.J. Matetic of NIOSH Mining present the 2016 Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award for stone, sand & gravel to W. Scott McGeorge of Granite Mountain Quarries and Jay Canada of Pine Bluff Sand & GravelHal F. Williford Jr. (left) of NSSGA and Dr. R.J. Matetic (second from left) of NIOSH Mining present the 2017 Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award for stone, sand & gravel to W. Scott McGeorge of Granite Mountain Quarries and Jay Canada of Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel. (Click for larger image)

2016 Award Winners
Fan Hanging Machine (Metal Sector)
Hanging auxiliary fans in underground metal mines is a difficult and potentially hazardous job, as the fans are large and the equipment currently used to lift them into place does not provide a safe location for workers away from the suspended load. Small Mine Development, LLC, and JH Fletcher together developed a purpose-built fan hanging machine to protect mine workers from the potential hazards of working around a large, suspended load. This machine securely holds the fan and has a platform for miners that travels up with the fan and moves independently along the length of the fan.
Dr. Jessica Kogel of NIOSH and Hal Quinn, president of the National Mining Association, present the 2016 Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award for metal/nonmetal to Small Mine Development, LLC., and JH Fletcher.Dr. Jessica Kogel of NIOSH (top left) and Hal Quinn (top right), president of the National Mining Association, present the 2016 Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award for metal mining to Small Mine Development, LLC., and JH Fletcher. (Click for larger image)
Stockpile Safety System (Coal Sector)
The safety of workers who operate dozers on surface stockpiles at mines depends on knowing where feeder locations are, and if material is feeding properly from above operating feeders. Arch Coal, Inc.’s Leer Mine developed a stockpile safety system to enhance dozer operator awareness and to help eliminate stockpile dozer incidents. The system offers video to the dozer operator and the plant operator of the dozer's location on the stockpile in relation to the feeders. An audible warning is provided if the dozer enters a zone above the feeder. In addition, the operators can confirm via video that the coal is being pulled from the surface of the stockpile to indicate there are not any voids. This system represents a significant advance to enhance dozer operator awareness to help eliminate future stockpile dozer incidents.
Dr. Jessica Kogel of NIOSH and Hal Quinn, president of the National Mining Association, present the 2016 Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award for coal to Arch Coal.Dr. Jessica Kogel (left) of NIOSH and Hal Quinn (right), president of the National Mining Association, present the 2016 Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award for coal to Arch Coal, Inc.
Dry Scrubbing System (Industrial Minerals Sector)
Airborne dust generated when ore is handled or transported can be a health hazard for mine workers. Focusing on the conveyor transfer point as a significant airborne dust contributor, Tronox Alkali developed a dry scrubber system that separates the dust particles from the air and uses an automated compressed air pulse system to clean the filters. The removed dust is collected in a hopper where it is mixed with water and then pumped to a mining sump. The system has been very effective and the company plans to have a second system operational soon.
Dr. Jessica Kogel of NIOSH presents the 2016 Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award for industrial minerals to Tronox Alkali.Dr. Jessica Kogel of NIOSH presents the 2016 Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award for industrial minerals to Tronox Alkali. (Click for larger image)

2015 Award Winners
Compressed Air Foam Fire Suppression System (Coal Sector)
A fire in an underground coal mine can spread quickly, threatening the lives of every worker in the mine. Rapid suppression of the fire is often the best way to prevent disaster. Working with RM Wilson Company and Red Dog Services, Murray Energy Corporation developed a rail car-mounted compressed air foam fire suppression system to fight fires that can occur when transporting combustible material out of the mine. This system consists of a Red Dog Services Suppressor 60 modified to be mounted on an underground rail car with 500 feet of fire hose. Murray Energy worked with its partners to develop, refine, and test the system for effectiveness and durability. They have deployed 20 systems through seven of their operating companies.
NIOSH presenting 2015 Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award for Coal to Murray Energy CorporationNIOSH presenting the 2015 Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award for coal to Murray Energy Corporation.
Helmet-CAM Technology (Industrial Minerals Sector)
Workers' exposure to respirable dust containing crystalline silica has long been a concern for the health of our nation’s workers. Unimin Corporation worked in cooperation with NIOSH to field test and evaluate the Helmet-CAM technology. The Helmet-CAM technology integrates a wearable video recorder with a real-time data-logging aerosol monitor for the effective and efficient assessment and identification of work areas and processes that impact a worker’s personal respirable dust exposure. Unimin implemented the Helmet-CAM technology at about 40 of its operations, requiring each production facility to conduct two Helmet-CAM studies annually to identify opportunities to further control exposures or to evaluate controls.
NIOSH presenting 2015 Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award for industrial minerals to Unimin CorporationNIOSH presenting the 2015 Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award for industrial minerals to Unimin Corporation.

2014 Award Winners
An Integrated Approach to Real Time Data Analysis for Changing Ground Conditions (Metal Sector)
The safety of miners in open pit operations is highly dependent on understanding changing ground conditions using data from numerous types of sensing technologies.  To implement its vision of a safety based geomechanical program, Freeport–McMoRan has embraced existing and emerging technologies and has created active partnerships with various data collection, information systems and technical providers. Through this cooperative effort, a system was developed that consolidates large sets of raw and processed data from many data streams, can produce early alarms based on movement outside of predicted trends, and analyze ground behavior to provide geomechanicial engineers timely and accurate notifications to support appropriate actions.  Importantly, this integrated approach to real time data analysis and automated alarms represents the next big step in safety improvements that can be applied to many different surface and underground mining operations.
NIOSH presenting 2014 Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award for metal/nonmetal to Freeport–McMoRanNIOSH presenting the 2014 Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award for metal mining to Freeport–McMoRan.
An Innovative Technology Solution to Improve Safety during Longwall Recovery Operations (Coal Sector)
Coal miners can be exposed to many hazards during the difficult process of a longwall recovery. JENNMAR, and its engineering affiliate company, Keystone Mining Services, working together with Signal Peak Energy personnel, developed and demonstrated a successful method to greatly reduce the exposure of miners to hazardous conditions during this process. This method made longwall recovery history by successfully mining into a 42-foot wide, full-face recovery entry that was first bolted, meshed, and then completely back-filled with a specially formulated, cuttable, low density concrete that was pumped from the surface. As a result of the coordination and cooperation between JENNMAR and Signal Peak, an innovative use of this technology was developed resulting in improved safety during longwall recovery operations.
NIOSH presenting 2014 Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award for metal/nonmetal to Keystone Mining Services and Signal Peak EnergyNIOSH presenting the 2014 Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award for metal mining to Keystone Mining Services and Signal Peak Energy.
Remote Loader Operation (Stone, Sand, and Gravel sector)
Luck Stone modified a CAT 988G pit loader so it could be operated either remotely or from the cab, which reduced the risk of injuries during certain hazardous operations. The CAT 988G uses an electro-hydraulic system, which means that electronic controls in the cab feed a computer with information that controls the hydraulic valves on the machine. To bypass the machine's computer and allow an operator to control the machine outside of the cab, Luck Stone installed a supplemental processor which can take commands from a wireless remote control. A toggle switch on the processor allows an operator the option of controlling the machine in the cab or at a safe distance.  The remote capability permits an operator to control many of the machine's functions, including the boom lift circuit, the bucket rack back and dump circuit, the engine's RPMs, the engine's emergency shut-down, and the transmission's forward, reverse, and neutral gear selection. With this innovation, Luck Stone provided its workers with a way to take the hazard out of many hazardous operations.


2013 Award Winners
A Collision Avoidance System to Improve Mine Access and Haul Road Safety (Metal Sector)
The risks of travel on mine access and haul roads significantly increase during darkness, fog, and other adverse weather conditions. Collision avoidance under limited visibility conditions is a challenging problem, and the aviation industry has reduced accidents through the application of traffic-awareness technologies. Hecla's Greens Creek Mine, working with SAFEmine Technology USA, adapted a GPS and radio technology approach first used for aircraft collision avoidance. The resulting peer-to-peer communication system is simple and robust, providing vehicle operators with improved situational awareness and voice-annunciated warnings when potential collisions develop.
Next-Generation Sensors for Atmospheric Monitoring Systems (Coal Sector)
The potential for atmospheric monitoring systems to improve mine safety is limited by commercially available sensors that can be deployed throughout underground coal mines. Alpha Natural Resources partnered with Matrix Design Group to design, develop, and commercialize improved air velocity, low-power methane, and flexible-use carbon monoxide sensors, with wireless and wired data transfer options. The intrinsically safe approval with the 24-hour battery backup provides post-accident functionality for these sensors in addition to their day-to-day use to improve mine safety by detecting potentially harmful developments in the mine's ventilation network.
Clothes Cleaning Booth Technology (Industrial Minerals Sector)
Contaminated work clothing represents a potentially significant area of respirable dust exposure for workers at industrial minerals operations. Unimin Corporation, working in cooperation with NIOSH, developed a clothes cleaning booth technology. This technology provides a quick, safe, and highly effective method that allows workers to clean their dust-soiled clothing periodically throughout the workday. This system safely captures the dust and contaminants from the worker’s clothing and removes them so as to not further expose the worker, co-workers, or the work environment. This technological innovation has been commercialized and put into practice at multiple work sites.

2012 Award Winners
The inaugural awards, which highlighted coal and metal/nonmetal mining, were presented on September 25, 2012, during MINExpo at the ceremony for the National Mining Association Sentinels of Safety Awards. These awards, initiated in 1925, are given annually to the nation’s safest mines.
The National Mining Association provided framed certificates for the 2012 winners:
**Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold** received the award for adapting an Australian over-the-road fatigue monitoring system for use in mine haul trucks and for implementing practices to use the information provided by the system to prevent accidents in the surface mining environment.
Red Conger, president of Freeport-McMoRan Americas, accepts the award from Jeff Kohler of NIOSH.Red Conger, president of Freeport-McMoRan Americas, accepts the award from Jeff Kohler of NIOSH.
**Lockheed Martin** was recognized for developing a two-way, through-the-earth (TTE) mine communication system, known as MagneLink®, to aid in the rescue of underground mine workers in a post-accident environment. The system provides two-way voice and text communication from deep underground mines to the surface.
Mark Somers, Warren Gross, and Tom Parks of Lockheed Martin accept the award from Jeff Kohler of OMSHR.Mark Somers, Warren Gross, and Tom Parks of Lockheed Martin accept the award from Jeff Kohler of NIOSH.
**CONSOL Energy** was honored for its commitment and collaboration to improve post-accident communications and for interfacing Lockheed Martin’s TTE technology with the company’s primary communications system. This could expand mine workers’ options for post-accident communications and possibly expedite the development and commercialization of TTE technology. The MagneLink® system was installed at CONSOL’s Robinson Run mine in West Virginia in November 2011 to evaluate its capability in an operational mine.

Background: The Challenge of Applying Technologies in Mining
The Sago Mine disaster in 2006 illuminated the critical role that technology needs to play to allow for mine worker escape and rescue in a post-accident environment. The ensuing discussions, Congressional hearings, and the NMA’s Mine Safety Technology and Training Commission revealed inadequacies in the development and adoption of technologies that could improve mine safety, especially in the areas of emergency communications and tracking, refuge alternatives, and oxygen supply. The reasons for these inadequacies are many, and Congress correctly pinpointed a key barrier: The market for technology products in mining is so small that it is difficult to recover the costs for research and development, or even the ordinary costs associated with commercializing a new technology. Further compounding the problem, technology products approved under international standards and used in mines in other countries cannot be used in the United States unless they have been approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The costs associated with the approval process are often considered greater than the potential U.S. market for the product. In practical terms, this has kept some technologies from the U.S. market.
Congress addressed this “small market” problem and codified the importance of mine safety technology in the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act (MINER Act) of 2006. In the MINER Act, NIOSH was charged with developing existing and new technologies related to oxygen supply, refuge chambers, and communications and tracking. NIOSH has met this challenge in partnership with the mining industry, labor unions, manufacturers, the international mining community, and other Federal agencies including MSHA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Naval Research Laboratory. As a result, our nation’s mines are now populated with a suite of post-accident communications and tracking technologies, many of which were developed through the NIOSH programs established by the MINER Act.
See Also
Development of a Mine Rescue Drilling System and Robotics Mission Feasibility Study
The Modern Evolution of Hearing Conservation Regulations
New National Survey of the U.S. Mining Population Published
Review of Recent Research on Organizational and Behavioral Factors Associated With Mine Safety
Significant Dust Dispersion Models for Mining Operations
Teaching Miners: Breaking the Barriers to Learning
Technology News 511 - NIOSH Develops Improved Mining Safety and Health Web Topic Page
This Is Mining...
Wire Rope Research: Analysis of Bending Fatigue in a 2-Inch IWRC Wire Rope
Work Sampling Applied to a Human Factors Analysis of Mine Worker Positioning
Page last reviewed: December 19, 2023
Page last updated: November 2, 2023
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
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