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The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)





Mining Project: Electromagnetic Interference and Electromagnetic Compatibility Considerations in Underground Mines
Keywords: Nonionizing radiation
Principal Investigator
Alan Zhang -  Request informationStart Date
1/1/2019Objective
This project will address the negative impact that electromagnetic interference (EMI) can have on mine safety systems and the hazards that EMI can cause for mine workers. The purpose of this study is to determine whether electromagnetic interference/compatibility (EMI/EMC) challenges within the mining industry can be effectively resolved using existing standards and mitigation strategies applied in other industries. Researchers will develop mining-specific recommendations to overcome EMI challenges critical to mine worker safety.Topic Areas
Electrical Safety
Programmable Electronic Systems
Research Summary

Approach
The project will develop a measurement system and methodology to characterize the electromagnetic emission level of mining enjoinments, identify the potential for EMI in mining, and develop mitigation strategies and recommendations to overcome the hazards posed by EMI. The laboratory studies will focus on using established military protocols (e.g., RE101, RS101, RE102, and RS103) to quantify radiated emissions and radio susceptibility of electronic devices and exploring design considerations that may help to reduce or eliminate the effects of EMI. Where applicable, protocols may be adapted to investigate mining electronic devices with parameters different from those specified in the military standards.
Milestones and Accomplishments
Description
Audiences
YearCharacterized electromagnetic emission for multiple mining equipment
Equipment manufacturers, mine workers, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
2022Developed a database showing radiated/susceptibility thresholds of different electronic devices
Equipment manufacturers, MSHA, health and safety professionals at mining operations
2022The PDM (personal dust monitor) and battery manufacturers are considering changing their product design based on NIOSH’s findings
Equipment manufacturers, mine workers, MSHA
2023Conducted electromagnetic noise survey at two underground coal mines to identify potential areas of EMI issue
Mine workers, health and safety professionals at mining operations, MSHA
2023Planned Impacts and Outcomes
There are two overall outcomes associated with this project: (1) Commercial vendors adopt/implement NIOSH design guidelines and methods for commercial products, and (2) MSHA adopts NIOSH recommendations on electromagnetic interference mitigation strategies and electromagnetic compatibility, as evidenced by MSHA referencing NIOSH research in guidance criteria. The results and findings from this project will be disseminated to key stakeholders through traditional methods such as conference proceedings and journal papers. The project team holds regular meetings with MSHA representatives to keep MSHA informed about project progress.
Outputs
Yan L, Lambie B, Carr J [2023]. Electromagnetic emission measurement of the shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) process. In the MINEXCHANGE 2023 SME Annual Conference & Expo and CMA 125th National Western Mining Conference, Feb. 26- Mar. 1, 2023. Denver, CO.
Zhang Y, Zhou C, Carr J, Srednicki J, Jobes C, Tuchman D, Yekich M, Galanko J [2023]. A comparison of EM emission reduction methods for personal dust monitors. In the MINEXCHANGE 2023 SME Annual Conference & Expo and CMA 125th National Western Mining Conference, Feb. 26-Mar. 1, 2023. Denver, CO.
Zhou C, Srednicki J [2023]. Characterizing radio emissions from electronic systems used in underground coal mines. In the MINEXCHANGE 2023 SME Annual Conference & Expo and CMA 125th National Western Mining Conference, Feb. 26- Mar. 1, 2023. Denver, CO.
Girman M, Reyes M, Zhou C [2021]. An overview of existing EMI standards applicable to mining. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Journal *39*:77–88.
Zhou C, Reyes M, Girman M [2022]. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) In underground coal mines: a literature review and practical considerations. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Journal *39*:421–431.
Zhou C, Snyder D, et al. [2022]. Magnetic field noise in the ultra-low frequency (ULF) band and historical comparisons. IEEE EMC+SIPI Annual Symposium 2022.
Jacksha R, Zhou C, Justin S, Damiano N [2022]. Survey of electromagnetic emissions in underground coal mines. In: Proceedings of the SME Annual Meeting. Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc.
Homer J, Damiano NW, Jobes CC, Reyes MA, Carr JL [2021]. Prioritizing electromagnetic interference testing of devices used in underground coal mines. In: Proceedings of the SME Annual Meeting. Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc., Preprint 21-015, March 1-5.
Supporting Visual
Booth display at 2023 Annual Meeting of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, & Exploration to promote NIOSH’s research on EMI and receive feedback from manufacturers and academia.
Booth display at the 2023 Annual Meeting of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration to promote NIOSH’s research on EMI and receive feedback from manufacturers and academia.


See Also
Data Security for In-Mine Transmission: Final Report - Part I
Electromagnetic Noise in Grace Mine
Electromagnetic Theory of Techniques for the Non-destructive Testing of Wire Ropes
Investigation of Electromagnetic Emissions in a Deep Underground Mine
Medium-Frequency Propagation in Coal Mines
Methane-Air Mixtures Ignited by CW Laser-Heated Targets on Optical Fiber Tips: Comparison of Targets, Optical Fibers, and Ignition Delays
Modeling and Data Analysis of 50 to 5000 kHz Radio Wave Propagation in Coal Mines
Preliminary Performance Predictions For Electromagnetic Through-The-Earth Mine Communications: A Collection of Working Memoranda
A Spatial/Spectral Domain Microwave Coal Seam Imaging Sensor-Progress in Signal Processing
Threshold Powers and Delays for Igniting Propane and Butane-Air Mixtures by CW Laser-heated Small Particles
Page last reviewed: May 8, 2023
Page last updated: April 20, 2023
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
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