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The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)





Mining Contracts
Under the MINER Act of 2006, the Office of Mine Safety and Health Research (OMSHR) was charged with developing and adapting new mine safety technology and expediting its commercial availability through a contracts and grants program. With consideration for market drivers and barriers, current state-of-the-art technologies in mining versus other sectors, regulations that may potentially impact industry-specific technological innovations, and the conditions surrounding mine disasters, OMSHR identified priority areas based on the current technology gaps. A strategic approach was then developed that considered such factors as the financial investment necessary to address each gap, the likelihood of resulting technology developments to comply with regulatory requirements, assistance available from other government agencies, and the type of incentives necessary for the private sector to begin commercializing the technology. As a result of these efforts, as of 2016, OMSHR had awarded more than 120 technology development and commercialization contracts or interagency agreementsin its execution of the MINER Act. Candidates for these contracts are principally solicited in the form of concept papers by way of Broad Agency Announcements on the Mining Program's Funding Opportunities page.
OMSHR has also awarded more than a dozen capacity-building contracts, which are devoted to building the capacity of our nation’s workforce to address critical health and safety problems in U.S. mines—specifically, in the fields of ventilation and ground control, which were identified as root causes for five different mining disasters since 2006. Capacity-building contracts help to produce graduates with advanced degrees in mining and minerals engineering, and help to develop tenure-track faculty performing research in these areas. As of 2016, OMSHR had provided capacity-building funding in ventilation (9 different universities, 11 different faculty members) and ground control engineering (8 different universities, 10 different faculty members), and had supported a total of 134 graduate students, 65 current students, and  64 MS or PhD graduating degree holders since the program’s inception in 2009.

Contracts List
Note: Click on the column headings to sort ascending/descending or use the **search** box to narrow results by keyword. Left click the tabs to view current or completed contracts.
Current contracts only
Title
Short Description
Contractor
Contract/IAG #
Topic Area(s)
CompletedDevelopment of Rib Brow Guideline and Integration into the Coal Pillar Rib Rating (CPRR) System
A contract to enhance the safety of miners through new rib brow management strategies.
Missouri University of Science and Technology
75D30122C14756
Geologic Characterization
Ground Control Overview
0Mine Health and Safety Big Data Analysis and Text Mining by Machine Learning Algorithms
A contract with Michigan Tech to use Big Data Analysis to aid in mine safety and health.
Michigan Technological University
75D30121C12375

0A Compact, Wearable, Personal Monitor for Real-Time Detection of Nitrogen Dioxide in Mines
A contract to develop a liquid crystal (LC)-based nitrogen dioxide monitor housing a sensor which will detect and trigger an audio-visual alarm to warn miners when the concentration of nitrogen dioxide levels exceeds the threshold limits.
Platypus Technologies, LLC
211-2013-56917
Atmospheric Monitoring
1A Magnetic Communication System for Use in Mine Environments
A contract to develop and demo a two-way, through-the-earth communication system for mines that applies state-of-the-art communications technologies to overcome subterranean wireless communication challenges while meeting industrial safety standards.
Lockheed Martin Corporation
200-2007-22843
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1A Wearable Multivariable Sensor for NO2 and CO Detection
A contract to design composite sensing materials to develop a sensor that is sensitive to carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide at the desired concentrations but is not affected by the interferences present in mines.
General Electric
200-2014-59395
Atmospheric Monitoring
Diesel Exhaust
1Adaptation of Wearable Respirable Dust Monitor Prototypes for use in Underground Coal Mines
A contract with the University of Illinois to research wearable respirable dust monitor prototypes.
University of Illinois
75D30121C11901

0Adapting Remote Methane Leak Detector (RMLD) to Coal Miner Rescue
A contract to evaluate the practicality and permissibility of modern laser-based technology for remotely detecting and mapping potentially explosive methane accumulations.
Physical Sciences, Inc.
200-2011-40565
Methane Detection and Monitoring
Rescue Technologies and Training
1Advanced Software Radio Techniques for Improved Range and Reliability of Digital Through-the-Earth Communication Systems
A contract to develop an Advanced Software Radio (ASR) for through-the-earth communication with the intent of significantly improving realiability of TTE links in the working areas of coal mines and extending range.
Vital Alert Communications, Inc.
200-2013-56809
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Advancing the Understanding of Respirable Silica Occurrence in Coal Mines
A contract to explore disease pathology and help pinpoint causal respirable silica dust characteristics.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
75D30122C14433

0Analysis of Mine Seismicity and Geotechnical Modeling for Improved Safety in Underground Coal Mines
A capacity-building contract to provide qualified individuals with opportunities to pursue MS and PhD degrees focused on ground control, research the cause of mining-induced seismicity, and improve safety in burst-prone coal mines.
University of Utah
200-2011-39614
Geologic Characterization
1Application of Extreme Power Line Communication Methods to Mine Environments
A contract to assess the suitability of current power line communication methods (used in nonmining applications) for underground coal mine communication, using mine electrical power distribution conductors as a system backbone.
Northern Microdesign, Inc.
200-2010-36005
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Application testing of thermal imaging cameras for the detection of rockfall events and conditions in open pit mines
A contract with the University of Arizona to test thermal imaging cameras to detect rockfall events and conditions in open pit mines.
University of Arizona
75D30120C09871

1Assessing, Modeling, and Cooling Underground Workings in Deep and Hot Mines
A capacity-building contract to understand, analyze, and engineer the thermal and psychometric working conditions in deep and hot underground mines.
University of Nevada, Reno
211-2014-59722
Ventilation Overview
1Assessment of Technology for Non-destructive Testing of In-situ Underground Mine Seals
A contract to assess four types of existing technology that can be applied to seals in a nondestructive manner under experimental conditions, including radio frequency sensing, ultrasonic sensing, ground penetrating radar, and tracer gas methods.
Cardno MM&A
200-2012-52497
Explosion Prevention
1Atmospheric Analysis of Refuge Alternatives
An interagency agreement to improve understanding of safe CO2 concentrations and scrubbing methods, methods to remove CO in case of chamber contamination, and the effect of chamber design, occupancy, and ambient conditions on heat and humidity.
NASA Ames Research Center
08FED898354
Refuge Chambers
1Automation Experience with a Global Perspective - An Assessment of the Automation Impact on Worker Safety and Health
A contract with the University of Pittsburgh to determine and describe the global experience with automation in mining and assess its effect on worker safety and health.
University of Pittsburgh
75D30120C09628

0AutonoDES: A Discrete Event Simulation Platform for Safety Scrutiny of Autonomous Mining Systems
This contract research develops a simulation software platform, AutonoDES, that can be used as a “what-if” scenario analysis tool for mixed-fleet (both human-operated and autonomous) mining operations.
University of Nevada, Reno
75D30122C14757
Programmable Electronic Systems
0Autonomous Docking of Face Haulage Mining Machinery in GPS-Denied Environments
A contract with the University of Kentucky to examine the autonomous docking of face haulage machinery in GPS-denied environments.
University of Kentucky
75D30120C08908

1Battery Technology
A contract to develop technology that is broadly applicable to mobile and battery-driven equipment in hazardous environments.
Innovative Wireless Technologies
200-2014-58752
Electrical Safety
1Best Practice Review of Atmospheric Monitoring Practices for Fire and Explosion Prevention Using Tube Bundle Systems
A contract to assess the benefits of implementing tube bundle technology into the US mining industry and identifying the logistical barriers and operational aspects considered for deployment.
Department of Natural Resources and Mines (SIMTARS)
200-2013-56949
Atmospheric Monitoring
Explosion Prevention
1Building Capacity and Enhancing Ground Control Safety through Improvement and Extension of the LaModel Program
A capacity-building contract to enhance ground control safety and produce qualified MS and PhD graduates with ground control expertise through improving and extending the LaModel program.
West Virginia University
200-2011-40342
Geologic Characterization
1Building Capacity and Enhancing Long-Term Coal mine Weak Roof Stability through Characterization and Modeling of Time-Dependent and Moisture-Sensitive Failure in Shale
A capacity building contract with Penn Sate University.
Penn State University
200-2016-90385

1Building Capacity and Improving Mine Safety Through Experimental Rock Mechanics
A contract with West Virginia University to build capacity and improve mine safety through experimental rock mechanics.
West Virginia University
200-2016-92214

1Calibrating the LaModel Program for Deep Cover Pillar Retreat Coal Mining
West Virginia University will calibrate the LaModel Program to aid in projecting success and accuracy of design methodologies for safe retreat mining.
West Virginia University
200-2008-24752

1Canopy Air Curtain to Reduce Respirable Coal Mine Dust Exposure for Shuttle Car Operators
A contract to extend canopy air curtain technology to shuttle car operators by developing a canopy air curtain system for shuttle cars that will reduce the operators’ respirable dust exposure.
Marshall University
200-2015-63485
Respirable Dust
1Cap Lamp Particulate Monitoring System
A contract with Strata Safety Products, LLC, to examine a cap lamp particulate monitoring system.
Strata Safety Products, LLC
75D30120C09347

0Capacity Building in Artificially Intelligent Mining Systems (AIMS) for Safer and Healthier Automated Operations
A contract with the University of Nevada, Reno, for capacity-building in artificially intelligent mining systems for safer and healthier automated operations.
University of Nevada, Reno
75D30119C06044

0Characterization of Coal Mine Dust Size Distribution, Chemical Composition, and Source Contributions
A contract with the University of Nevada, Reno, to characterize coal mine dust size, distribution, chemical composition, and source contributions.
University of Nevada, Reno
75D30119C05759

1Characterization of Forms of Silica with Varying Degrees of Crystallinity in Respirable Dust to Assess their Effects on Miners� Pneumoconiosis
A contract to evaluate different forms of silica embedded in the mine-emitted dusts and how they are related to their host rocks’ mineralogical and geological features.
Penn State University
75D30122C14876
Respirable Dust
Respiratory Diseases
0Characterization of Submicron-/Nano-scale Coal Dusts and Their Effects on Miners' Pneumoconiosis and Lung Cancer for Underground Coal Mines
A contract with Pennsylvania State University to investigate the characterization of submicron-/nano-scale coal dusts and their effects on miners’ pneumoconiosis and lung cancer for underground coal mines.
Pennsylvania State University
75D30118C05128

0Coal Mine Dust Mitigation Through Novel Scrubber Development and Numerical Modeling
A capacity-building contract focused on coal dust mitigation utilizing a novel scrubber and numerical modeling.
University of Kentucky
200-2014-59922
Respirable Dust
1Collaborative Safe Integrated Engineering in Mining (COSINE in Mining)
A capacity-building contract with South Dakota School of Mines to investigate collaborative safe integrated engineering in mining.
South Dakota School of Mines
200-2019-06090

0Combustion Modeling and Spontaneous Combustion Prevention in Longwall Gobs
A capacity-building contract to examine the explosion and fire hazards in the gobs of underground longwall coal mines through physical and numerical modeling.
Trustees of the Colorado School of Mines
211-2014-60050
Explosion Prevention
Spontaneous Combustion
1Communication and Hazard Monitoring in Bleeders and Remote Workings
A contract to extend communication and hazard monitoring into bleeders or other remote workings in an active underground coal mine.
Kutta Technologies
200-2012-53624
Atmospheric Monitoring
Emergency Communications and Tracking
Methane Detection and Monitoring
1Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling for Underground Mines
A capacity-building contract to expand on previous and existing work with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling using the FLUENT code to develop a modeling and predictive tool for mine ventilation.
Colorado School of Mines
200-2009-31409
Explosion Prevention
Ventilation Overview
1Continuous Float Dust Monitor
A contract to design, fabricate, and test a continuous float dust monitor (CFDM) in both a laboratory setting and in a test coal mine environment.
AKITA Innovations, LLC
200-2013-57232
Explosion Prevention
Rock Dusting
1Cryogenic Life Support Technology Development Project
An interagency agreement to develop cryogenic breathing apparatus and supply/filling systems for mine escape, rescue, and refuge.
NASA Kennedy Space Center
12FED1213259
Refuge Chambers
1Deep Coal Mine Safety Studies to Promote Development of Recommendations for Deep Coal Mine Safety through Monitoring Seismic Events
A contract to investigate and report on the state-of-the-art in mine seismic monitoring systems and methodologies as applied to deep coal mining.
The University of Utah
200-2008-25438
Ground Monitoring
1Demonstration of Inertial Sensor Tracking and Communication System
A contract to complete a beta test installation of the contractor’s inertial sensor tracking and communication system in a working mine and demonstrate the accuracy, communication capability, and suitability for use in a working coal mine.
InSeT Systems, LLC
200-2010-34687
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Demonstration of the Ability of Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing Technologies to Enhance Mine Safety
A contract to explore early detection of rock movement signaling imminent underground space or pit wall collapse in mines, which has the potential to prevent loss of life and serious injuries from mine disasters.
Montana Tech of the University of Montana
211-2014-59580
Ground Monitoring
1Design and Construction Considerations for a Protected Compressed Air Line to a Refuge Alternative
A contract to explore the need for ensuring compressed air line integrity in a practical way through laboratory tests and design and construction considerations for compressed air lines to a refuge alternative.
University of Kentucky
200-2014-60047
Refuge Chambers
1Design and Demonstration of a Location Tracking System for Underground Coal Mines (Award 1)
A contract to develop a miner tracking system based on inertial navigation technology.
Extreme Endeavors and Consulting
200-2007-21249
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Design and Demonstration of a Location Tracking System for Underground Coal Mines (Award 2)
A contract to design and demonstrate a location tracking system for underground coal mines using ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology.
L-3 Global Security & Engineering Solutions (now Engility Corporation)
200-2007-21250
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Design of an Optically Accessible Scaled-Version of a Longwall Coal Mine for Investigating Explosion Hazards
A contract to build a 1/40th scale model of a longwall coal mine.
Colorado School of Mines
200-2017-94491

1Design of Underground Mine Seals Under Explosive Events
A contract to establish guidelines for mine seal design under static and dynamic loading conditions from gas and/or dust explosions within sealed areas.
West Virginia University
200-2007-22541
Explosion Prevention
Seal Design
1Designing a Pilot Program for Strategic Mine Safety and Health Improvements through the Use of Surveillance Data to Guide Targeted Inspection Activities
A contract to design a pilot program for strategic mine safety and health improvements through the use of surveillance data to guide targeted inspection activities.
Leland Stanford Junior University
200-2009-28820

1Designing a Statistical Algorithm for Strategic Identification and Development of New Mine Safety Technologies and Technological Applications
A contract to survey the landscape of mine hazards through a lens wide enough to capture all mine operations, fine-grained enough to pinpoint hazards for each specific type of operation, and responsive enough to detect new hazards as they emerge.
Stanford University
200-2014-59448

1Develop a Means to Model Network Performance Using Network Simulation Tools
An interagency agreement to develop modeling and simulation tools to evaluate the performance of underground mine wireless communications networks.
U.S. Department of Commerce, NIST
08FEB898345
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Developing a New Tension Crack Analysis System to Increase the Safety of Open Pit Slopes
A contract to develop an early warning system for effective maintenance of open pit mine stability.
University of Nevada, Reno
200-2017-95360

1Development and Demonstration of a Robotic Support Vehicle for Underground Mine Rescue Efforts
A contract to design and develop a mine rescue support machine that will increase the ability of mine rescue teams to respond to catastrophic mine events.
ROHMAC, Inc.
200-2014-59274
Rescue Technologies and Training
1Development and Demonstration of the Battelle Barrier Survival System
A contract to design, test, develop, and demonstrate a prototype for an advanced mine barrier survival system (MBSS).
Battelle Memorial Institute
200-2007-22067
Refuge Chambers
Rescue Technologies and Training
1Development and Testing of a Mine Escape Vehicle (MEV)
A contract to acquire, prototype construct, test, and evaluatue Mine Escape Vehicle (MEV) subsystem components along with their integration into the MEV vehicle platform.
Raytheon UTD
200-2010-36723
Rescue Technologies and Training
1Development of a Low Cost LIDAR Ground Control Hazard Detecting Network
A contract to develop an inexpensive LIDAR scanner to detect minute roof and rib changes that could serve as an early warning system for mines.
Missouri University of Science and Technology
200-2016-91155

1Development of a Method for the Remote Characterization of Underground Mine Ventilation Control by Multiple Tracer Gases
A capacity-building contract to develop a method to remotely characterize underground mine ventilation control by multiple tracer gases.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
200-2009-31933
Emergency Management
Ventilation Overview
1Development of a Mine Rescue Drilling System and Robotics Mission Feasibility Study
An interagency agreement to conduct experiments to improve the efficiency and speed of drilling operations and develop robots and robotic assist technology.
Sandia National Laboratories
08FED898349
Rescue Technologies and Training
1Development of a Personal Real-Time Respirable Coal Dust and Respirable Silica Dust Monitoring Instrument Based on Photoacoustic Spectroscopy
A contract with the University of Nevada, Reno, to develop a personal real-time respirable coal dust and respirable silica dust monitoring instrument based on photoacoustic spectroscopy.
University of Nevada, Reno
75D30119C06204

0Development of a Seismic System for Locating Trapped Miners
A contract to evaluate SureWave Technology's seismic system for locating trapped miners by conducting tests at depths of 2,000 ft or more and under various challenging but common conditions.
West Virginia University Research Corporation
200-2011-39885
Rescue Technologies and Training
1Development of a Severe Injury Surveillance System for Hazard Identification and Guiding Technological Interventions
A contract to develop a Severe Injury Surveillance System using the Mine Safety and Health Administration's accident/injury/illness database.
University of Arizona
200-2008-24858

1Development of a Silica Dust Direct Reading Sampler with Sensitivity for Dust Components and Size
A contract with Colorado State University to develop a silica dust reading sampler.
Colorado State University
75D30120C08386

0Development of a Uniform Methodology for Evaluating Coal Mine Tracking Systems
A contract to develop and demonstrate a methodology for the uniform evaluation of tracking technologies in underground coal mines.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute
200-2010-36140
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Development of a Wireless Test and Measurement Tool for Use in Mines
A contract to design, develop, and deliver a test and measurement tool based on a proof-of-concept model for mapping wireless coverage areas in underground coal mines.
Helium Networks
200-2008-24620C
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Development of an Anti-Caking Rock Dust
A contract to develop anti-caking rock dust products.
IMERYS
200-2012-52496
Explosion Prevention
Rock Dusting
1Development of an Improved Mine Escape Breathing Apparatus through Efficiency Improvement Study of Current Self-Rescuers
An interagency agreement to reduce the size, weight, and ergonomic impact of SCSRs.
Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division
13FED1313301
Rescue Technologies and Training
1Development of Automated Rockfall Detection via Thermal Video Cameras in Open Pit Mines
A technology contract to develop an automated rockfall recognition algorithm and empirical approaches for rockfall forecasting and slope hazard recognition based on rockfall frequency and location.
University of Arizona Geotechnical Center of Excellence
75D30122C14875
Ground Monitoring
0Development of both a Dockable and Hybrid Person-Wearable Self-Contained Self-Rescuer
A contract to help develop and evaluate Person Wearable Dockable and Hybrid SCSRs that will meet the requirements of 42 CFR Part 84, Federal Mining Regulations, as well as any that will result from the MINER Act.
Technical Products, Inc.
200-2007-19569
Rescue Technologies and Training
1Development of Components for Breathing Escape Apparatus (DSOV)
A contract to deliver working prototypes of docking and switch-over valves that will be used in the next generation of escape breathing apparatus.
Avon Protection Systems, Inc.
200-2012-52788
Rescue Technologies and Training
1Development of Components for Breathing Escape Apparatus (DSOV/HMC)
A contract to deliver working prototypes of docking/switch-over valves and hoods/masks with passive communication elements that will be used in the next generation of escape breathing apparatus.
Essex Industries, Inc.
200-2012-52879
Rescue Technologies and Training
1Development of Components for Breathing Escape Apparatus (DSOV/HMC/VHPC)
A contract to deliver working prototypes of docking/ switch-over valves and hoods/masks with passive communication elements that will be used in the next generation of escape breathing apparatus.
Carleton Technologies, Inc.
200-2012-52624
Rescue Technologies and Training
1Development of Dust Control Units for Underground Coal Mines
A contract to design, construct, and test two new dust collection components for continuous mining operations in underground coal mines.
J.H. Fletcher & Co.
200-2010-36164
Respirable Dust
1Development of Guidelines for Safely Managing Electrical Equipment and Systems in Underground Mines During Mine Emergencies and Other Abnormal Circumstances
A contract to develop guidelines to enable workers to manage electrical equipment in a mine during an emergency.
Foster-Miller, Inc. (now QinetiQ North America)
200-2008-26556
Emergency Management
Maintainability
1Development of Heat Mitigation Systems for Refuge Alternatives used in Underground Coal Mines
A contract to develop a heat mitigation system for refuge alternatives.
DRS Environmental Systems, Inc.
200-2016-91901
Refuge Chambers
1Development of Non-regulatory Runtime Respirable Coal and Silica Dust Monitor Using Quantum Cascade Laser-based Ringdown Spectroscopy
A contract with RingIR, Inc., to develop a non-regulatory runtime respirable coal and silica dust monitor using quantum cascade laser-based ringdown spectroscopy.
RingIR, Inc.
75D30120C09163

0Development of Strength Criteria for Coal and Nonsedimentary Rock Masses and Investigation of Underground and Open Pit Mine Stability of Such Rock Masses
A capacity-building contract to develop strength criteria for coal and non-sedimentary rock masses and to investigate the underground and open pit mine stability of these rock masses.
University of Arizona
200-2011-39886
Ground Control Overview
1Digital Technologies Improve Mine Safety and Health
A capacity-building contract with the Colorado School of Mines to research digital technologies to improve mine safety and health.
Colorado Schol of Mines
75D30119C05412

0Dispersibility Testing of Dried Wet and Foam Rock Dust
A contract to test the dispersibility of conventional dry-applied rock dust versus new wet and foam rock dusts and aid rock dust suppliers and equipment manufacturers with development of new wet and foam rock dusts.
Colorado School of Mines
200-2016-90152

1DPM Research: Monitoring Responses to Ventilation and Control by Water Sprays, and Capacity Building for Mine Ventilation Expertise
A capacity-building contract focused on the use of ventilation in controlling diesel particulate matter (DPM) levels, particularly in the context of challenging mining conditions.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
200-2014-59646
Diesel Exhaust
Ventilation Overview
1Efficiency Improvement Study of Mine Rescue Breathing Apparatus and Development of an Improved Prototype CCBA
An interagency agreement to investigate alternative system designs or current system modifications for mine rescue breathing apparatus, to determine the extent of potential efficiency improvements.
Naval Sea Systems Command
12FED1213314
Rescue Technologies and Training
1Electromagnetic Noise Data Acquisition for the Evaluation of TTE Communications in Coal Mines
A contract to improve the performance of TTE radio systems intended for use in coal mine emergency communications between the mine and the surface.
Vital Alert Communications, Inc.
211-2014-59075
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Eliminating Barriers for the Implementation of Automation in the Mining Industry
A contract to provide a comprehensive review and analysis of the regulatory framework and external factors influencing mine/plant development and operations to encourage the rapid integration of new technology into U.S. mining operations.
Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration
75D30122C14149

0Emergency Seismic Communication System for the Mining Industry
A contract to explore a new communication technology that re-uses undersea modem technology and concepts for seismic communication within the mining industry.
Teledyne Brown Engineering
200-2009-29066
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Engineered Solutions - Dump Truck Vibrations and Impact on Operator Safety in High-Impact Shovel Loading Operations
A contract to reduce or eliminate the impact of root mean square (RMS) accelerations due to vibrations on large dump truck operators during high-impact shovel loading operations.
Missouri University of Science and Technology
200-2011-40817
Ergonomics and MSD Prevention
1Enhancing Mine Safety via Intrinsically Safe Battery-Powered Wireless Sensor Network
A contract to provide a fully wireless, battery-operated, atmospheric, gas monitor solution that is rapidly deployable.
Innovative Wireless Technologies
200-2013-56948
Atmospheric Monitoring
1Evaluating the Inherent Safety of Li-ion Batteries in Portable Electronics Used in Underground Mine Environments
A contract to experimentally evaluate the inherent safety of Li-ion batteries used in portable electronic devices for underground mine applications.
University of Kentucky
200-2013-56808
Electrical Safety
1Evaluation and Testing of Pressure Relief Valves (PRVs) for Refuge Alternatives Subjected to Explosive Forces
A contract to test and evaluate the survivability and reliability of pressure relief valves on refuge alternatives when subjected to explosive conditions.
University of Kentucky
75D30118C01230

1Evaluation of Active Suppression Systems for Underground Coal Mines
A contract to assess the merits of existing technologies in an effort to create an effective active explosion barrier system for underground coal mines.
Missouri University of Science and Technology
200-2017-95256

1Evaluation, Scaled Testing, and Testing Design of Active Explosion Barriers Systems for the US Underground Coal Mines
A contract exploring the use of active explosion barrier systems in United States underground coal mines.
University of Kentucky Research Foundation
200-2017-94434

1Exoskeletons as an Innovative Approach to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders in Surface Stone Mining
A contract with Virginia Tech University to research exoskeletons as an innovative approach to prevent musculoskeletal disorders in surface stone mining.
Virginia Tech University
75D30120C08385

0Expanding the Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in GPS-Denied Environments
A contract to create a fully autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle solution for underground mines.
RESPEC
75D30118C02634

1Extending and Monitoring the Scrubber Performance in Escape and Rescue Mining Rebreathers
An interagency agreement to extend and monitor the scrubber performance in escape and rescue mining rebreathers.
Navy Experimental Diving Unit
12FED1213325
Rescue Technologies and Training
1Feasibility Study: Vision-Aided Personal Inertial Tracking System for Mining
A contract to evaluate the feasibility and utility of recent advances in personal navigation in a realistic mining setting. The project will conduct a field test in a realistic setting using existing equipment that has been adapted to the application.
Carnegie Mellon University
200-2010-35935
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Feasibility Testing of a Near Real Time Respirable Silica Monitor
A contract to develop a near real-time respirable silica monitor.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
75D30118C03021

1Filter Media and Holder Compatible with Personal Dust Monitor and End-of-Shift Crystalline Silica Quantification by Raman and FTIR Spectroscopy
A contract with Desert Research Institute to find alternative filter media and redesign the filter holder for the continuous personal dust monitorto make the filter compatible with end-of-shift respirable crystalline silica quantification.
Desert Research Institute
75D20121C11871

0Full-Wave Modeling of MF Propagation
A contract to develop models of MF propagation in mines based on the results simulated through full-wave electromagnetic models.
Pennsylvania State University
200-2010-36317
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Gemini-Scout Mine Rescue Vehicle Update
This contract empowered Sandia Laboratories to update and improve three Gemini-Scout Mine Rescue vehicles for use in the field.
Sandia Corporation
15FED1518029
Rescue Technologies and Training
1Generation of Geomechanical and Time-dependent Properties of Coal and Coal Measure Rocks
A capacity-building contract to understand the time-dependent behavior of some coal measure rocks under certain loading conditions, evaluate post-failure behavior, and acquire reliable site-specific input properties for numerical modeling.
West Virginia University
200-2011-40676
Geologic Characterization
Ground Control Overview
1Ground Control Research for Improving Safety Performance in Underground Stone and Other Large Opening Mines: Design, Monitoring and Risk Management
A capacity-building contract with Virginia Tech University on ground control research to improve safety performance in underground stone and other large-opening mines.
Virginia Tech
200-2016-91300

1Ground Hazard Mitigation Using Neural Networks
A contract with the University of Alaska to study ground hazard mitigation.
University of Alaska Fairbanks
75D30121C12372

0High Energy Battery Thermal Runaway Alleviation Protection (TRAP) Flame Arrestor for Mine Safety
A contract with ADA Technologies to design and implement a purpose-built flame arrestor for use in explosion-proof enclosures for applications in gassy mines.
ADA Technologies, Inc.
75D30121C11477

1Identification of Potential Roof Problems Using LED Lighting & Numerical Modeling of Highwall Stability Using FLAC3D
A capacity-building contract to (1) develop light technology to identify roof problems and (2) use FLAC3D to model highwall stability and determine the effects of ground vibrations from blasting.
University of Kentucky
200-2011-40628
Ground Control Overview
Roof Support
1Improved Longwall Automation by Utilizing Sensors to Detect the Rock Coal Interface
A contract with Komatsu's Joy Global Underground Mining to investigate a technology or combination of technologies that will improve the ability to understand the location of the rock-coal interface on a longwall face.
Joy Global Underground Mining
75D30121C11971

0Improving Health and Safety of Mining Operations Through Development of the Smart Bit Concept for Automation of Mechanical Rock Excavation Units and Dust Mitigation
A capacity-building contract with the Colorado School of Mines to improve the health and safety of mining operations through development of the Smart Bit Concept for automation of mechanical rock excavation units and dust mitigation.
Colorado School of Mines
75D30119C05413

0Innovative Solutions for Heat Management in Hot Underground Mines: Ventilation Research and Capacity Building
A capacity-building contract focused on state-of-the-art ventilation engineering related to the management of heat in hot underground mines.
University of Arizona
200-2014-59953
Ventilation Overview
1Instrumentation of Roof Bolt Drill for Ground Characterization, Mapping, and Support Design
A capacity-building contract to develop a roof bolt drill instrumented for ground characterization, mapping, and support design.
Pennsylvania State University
211-2011-41138
Ground Control Overview
Roof Support
1Integration of RCMD and RCS Physicochemistry and Toxicity Outcomes in an Occupational Risk Assessment Model
A contract with New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology to establish a model with risk factors contributing to long-term health outcomes in coal miners.
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
75D30121C12182

0Integration of Sensing Technologies for Post-Event Monitoring of Hazardous Conditions in the Mining Environment
A contract to provide detection of ambient conditions in lesser traversed, remote areas of a mine by way of a repeater system with sensing modules capable of linking into the existing, hardened communications and tracking system.
SenSevere
200-2014-59253
Atmospheric Monitoring
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Internal Short Circuit Detection for Improved Safety of Lithium-Ion Batteries for Mining Applications
A contract to improve the safety of lithium-ion battery systems in order to reduce the risk posed by these batteries to mine workers.
TIAX
200-2014-58751
Electrical Safety
1Intrinsically Safe Low-Power Methane Wireless Sensors for Mapping of Methane Gas Clouds
A contract to develop intrinsically safe, low-power-consumption methane sensors for mapping of methane gas clouds accumulated in underground coal mines.
General Electric Company
211-2015-63806
Atmospheric Monitoring
1Intrinsically Safe Mine Rescue UAV Design - Phase 1
A contract with Xtraction Science and Technology, Inc., to examine instrinsically safe mine rescue UAV design.
Xtraction Science and Technology, Inc.
75D30120C09739

1Investigation of Reduced Order Fire Modeling for Improved Safety and Response in Underground Coal Mines
A capacity-building contract to advance the body of knowledge in mine fires through modeling and application to ensure improved controls.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
200-2014-59669
Fire Control and Suppression
Fire Fighting
1Investigation of Respirable Mine Dust and Crystalline Silica Dust Characteristics and Toxicity in Metal/Nonmetal Mines
A contract to investigate mine dust and respirable crystalline silica characteristics and toxicity to fill a critical knowledge gap and help ensure the health of  workers in metal and nonmetal mines.
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
75D30122C14685
Respirable Dust
Respiratory Diseases
0Kutta OutCall Micropower Messaging System (KOMMS)
A contract to create a signaling system, Kutta OutCall Micropower Messaging System (KOMMS), a mechanism of signaling between underground and the surface without the use of battery or line power.
Kutta Technologies
200-2013-56050
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Leaky Feeder Mine Communications System
A contract to investigate techniques to increase the survivability of leaky feeder communication systems.
Pillar Innovations LLC
200-2007-20064
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Leaky Feeder to Wireless Media Converter Device Technology Development
A contract to develop and test a Media Converter Device (MCD) that allows wireless handheld radios to communicate with leaky feeder communication systems. This will greatly improve voice quality and underground communications coverage in cross-cuts.
Rajant Corporation
200-2008-26815
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1LiDAR Technology Adaptation to Underground Coal Mines for Float Coal Dust and Rock Dust Mapping Applications
A contract to evaluate LiDAR sensing technology to estimate dispersion distances of float coal dust and assess adequacies of rock dust coverage over large areas.
Electricore, Inc.
200-2013-56947
Explosion Prevention
Rock Dusting
1Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Noise Cancelling Antenna System
An interagency agreement to improve signal-to-noise in TTE receivers. The aim is to use existing transmitters that are not "intrinsically safe" to provide a reference signal from underground.
Los Alamos National Laboratory
11FED1113303
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Machine Learning Enhanced Perception for Automated or Remote Roof Bolting Operations in Underground Mining
A contact with the Colorado School of Mines to investigate machine learning.
Colorado School of Mines
75D30121C12206

0Machine Learning Models that Blend Subjective and Objective Data to Improve Understanding and Management of Operator Fatigue
A capacity-building contract with the University of Utah to research machine learning models that blend subjective and objective data to improve understanding and management of operator fatigue.
University of Utah
75D30119C05500

1Magnetic Communication System (MCS)
A contract to enhance key features of the through-the-earth prototype previously developed to improve its usability, investigate design changes to comply with mine safety standards, ruggedize the hardware, and demonstrate performance at coal mine sites.
Lockheed Martin Corporation
200-2009-32021
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Magneto-Inductive TTE Communications
A contract to fabricate and test through-the-earth communication devices in an underground mine.
Ultra Electronics Canada Defence, Inc.
200-2009-31292
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Maintenance Free Filters for Continuous Miner Scrubber Systems
A contract with the University of KEntucky to develop maintenance-free continuous miner scrubber systems.
University of Kentucky
75D30119C06228

1Maintenance Free Impingement Screen In-Mine Testing
A contract to test a maintenance-free flooded-bed scrubber screen for acceptable use in underground coal mining applications.
University of Kentucky Department of Mining Engineering
75D30122P14890

1Mechanisms of Coal Dust Explosions and Their Prevention
A contract to explore when and how a secondary dust explosion initates and propagates.
University of Maryland
200-2015-64091
Explosion Prevention
1Medium Frequency Radio System Modifications for Refuge Chamber Situational Awareness
A contract to modify medium frequency radio systems to improve refuge chamber situational awareness in an underground coal mine.
Kutta Technologies
200-2012-53504
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Metering and Distribution Improvements to Increase the Effectiveness and Efficiency of Rock Dusters
A contract to develop and implement a prototype rock duster that will use sensing technology to determine the amount of coal dust in the mine atmosphere and distribute an appropriate amount of rock dust to effectively inert the coal dust present.
ROHMAC Inc.
200-2012-53626
Rock Dusting
1Method for Improving Ventilation & Gas Monitoring with an Advanced Fiber Optic Based Mine-Wide Monitoring System
A contract to create an advanced mine-wide distributed monitoring system utilizing a low power intrinsically safe fiber optic backbone for improving ventilation and gas and temperature monitoring in underground mines.
RSL Fiber Systems�
200-2012-52515
Atmospheric Monitoring
Methane Detection and Monitoring
Ventilation Overview
1Methods to De-Energize Batteries
A contract to develop new technologies for emergency de-energizing of batteries, and to demonstrate prototype systems designed for application in a battery system currently employed in mining operations.
TIAX LLC
211-2013-57076
Electrical Safety
1Mine Communications Engineering and Compatibility Guidelines
A contract to ensure that the limited useful spectrum is used efficiently, health and safety hazards are not introduced, and new systems do not interfere with each other or with older systems already in place.
DISA Joint Spectrum Center
08FED898353
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Mine Escape Vehicle Concept Investigation
A contract to provide a design for a Mine Escape Vehicle to facilitate rapid escape of personnel from an underground mine in an emergency. The design for the vehicle will include components for vehicle platform, life support, navigation, and communication.
Raytheon UTD
200-2008-24826
Rescue Technologies and Training
1Mine Escape Vehicle Technology Retrofit Demonstration
A contract to design the integration of appropriate Mine Escape Vehicle (MEV) technology into either an existing mantrip being refurbished or a new mantrip under construction.
Raytheon UTD, Inc.
200-2013-56795
Rescue Technologies and Training
1Mine Hearing and Communication Safety System
Triton Systems proposes to develop a new product—“MineEar”—which would offer superior awareness, communication, and hearing protection through noise attenuation, occlusion effect reduction technology, and advanced noise reduction.
Triton Systems
75D30122C14721
Hearing Loss Prevention Overview
0Mine Safety Data Analytics Engine (MSDAE)
A contract with Innovative Wireless Technologies, Inc., to address work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) risk reduction using the recent innovative intervention of occupational exoskeletons.
Innovative Wireless Technologies, Inc.
75D30121C11582

0Miniaturized PDM Providing Smaller, Lighter, Quieter and Lower Cost Operation
A contract to develop a miniaturized PDM.
Biomarine, Inc.
75D30118C02590

1Miniaturized Wearable Personal Dust Exposure Monitor for Respirable and Alveolar Dust in Underground Coal Mines
A contract to design and develop a miniaturized personal dust monitor for miners.
University of Illinois
200-2016-91153

1Mining and Industrial Safety Technology and Training Innovation
A contract in the form of a grant to investigate how modern technologies and educational approaches can improve mine safety.
Wheeling Jesuit University
1H75OH009822
Education and Training
1MIS Analysis and DINSAR Measurements � Tools for Improving Mine Ground Control Safety
A capacity-building contract with the University of Utah to improve seismic coverage, instrument a yield pillar, develop an extended numerical model, and evaluate statistical methods.
University of Utah
200-2016-90240

1Mitigation of Groundfall Hazards Through Integration of Novel Field and Numerical Techniques
A capacity-building contract with the Colorado School of Mines to develope improvements in ground characterization, monitoring, analysis, and design approaches.
Colorado School of Mines
200-2016-90154

1Mobile Adaptable RF/IT Infrastructure - Experimental (MATRIX)
A contract to test the efficacy of deploying a vehicular satellite communication system, augmented with rapidly deployable mesh networking nodes and other emerging telecommunications technologies, during mine rescue and other emergency events.
St. Francis University Center of Excellence for Remote and Medically Under-Served Areas
200-2008-27444
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Modeling Natural Gas Explosions for Coal Mine Safety
A contract to simulate the development and evolution of natural gas (NG) explosions in mine tunnels.
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
08FED898342
Explosion Prevention
1Modernization and Further Development of the NIOSH Mine Emergency Response Training System (MERITS), Phase 1
A contract to develop a modernized and improved version of the NIOSH Mine Emergency Response Interactive Training Simulation (MERITS), making it compatible with modern computer systems.
Orion International Technologies
200-2008-23858
Emergency Management
1Modification and Approval of Mine Rescue Support Machine
A contract to advance mine rescue technology and training by furthering the design of a prototype mine rescue support machine.
ROHMAC, INc.
200-2017-94151

1Multi-cell lithium ion battery safety enhancement for underground mining applications via dell-to-cell isolation during thermal runaway
A contract with ADA Technologies, Inc., to enhance multi-cell lithium ion battery safety for underground mining applications.
ADA Technologies, Inc.
75D30119C05904

1Multivariable Gas Sensors for Personal Monitoring of Breathable Air
A contract to create a personal air monitor combining multiple sensing technologies.
GE Global Research
75D30118C02617

1New Technologies for Identifying and Understanding Ground Stability Hazards
A capacity-building contract to quantify the ground response in underground coal mines with different geologic settings and depths of cover.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
200-2011-40313
Geologic Characterization
1New Vest Style Escape SCSR Through SCSR Efficiency Improvement Study
An interagency agreement to investigate efficiency improvements for pure oxygen breathing apparatuses used by miners in emergencies, namely SCSRs, and to develop an improved ergonomically designed SCSR.
Navy Experimental Diving Unit
12FED1213244
Rescue Technologies and Training
1Next Generation Continuous Personal Dust Monitor (CPDM)
A contract with Thermo Fisher Scientific to develop a prototype of a next-generation continuous personal dust monitor (CPDM).
Thermo Fisher Scientific
75D30118C03087

1Noise Reduction of Continuous Miner Scrubber Fan System
A contract to reduce the noise generated by the scrubber fan system present on continuous mining machines.
AVEC, Inc.
200-2016-90547

1Novel Application of Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Optical Particle Counting for the Real-time Quantification of Respirable Crystalline Silica and Dust in the Mining Environment
A contract with microAeth Corporation to examine the use of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and optical particle counting to quantify respirable crystalline silica.
microAeth Corporation
75D30120C09916

1Numerical Modeling of Gas Emissions and Cave Ventilation in Block Caving Mines
A capacity-building contract focused on developing practical mine ventilation engineering tools for safe and effective massive underground mining operations.
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
200-2014-59613
Atmospheric Monitoring
Ventilation Overview
1Passive Fiber Optic System for Locating, Tracking, and Communicating with Personnel in Coal Mines
A contract to develop and demonstrate a modified, fiber optic-based perimeter security system to track personnel in an underground coal mine.
US Sensor Systems Inc.
200-2008-24502
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Passive Seismic Tomography for Monitoring Stress Redistribution at the Galena Mine
A contract on passive seismic tomography for monitoring stress redistribution at the Galena Mine.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
200-2015-63456
Ground Monitoring
1PDM3700-Compatible Filter Module Usable with Portable/Field-deployable Silica Monitoring Instruments
A contract with Thermo Fisher to develop a filter module that can be used with the PDM3700, maintaining its functionality of aerosol collection and mass measurement, and portable FTIRs that can be used for field-deployable silica monitoring.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
75D30121C11931

0Performance and Safety Investigation of Emergency Backup Batteries and Battery Charging Systems for Underground Mining Applications
A contract to address issues associated with battery selection, use, and charging for the underground coal mining environment, specifically with respect to MINER Act requirements for mine communications and personnel tracking technology.
Foster-Miller, Inc. (now QinetiQ North America)
254-2008-27024
Electrical Safety
1Performance-Based Fire Safety Designs for Self-Escape in Underground Mines
A capacity-building contract to minimize mine fires through further study of mine fire occurrence and behavior, devise firefighting methods, and train graduate students in mine engineering and fire engineering.
Missouri University
200-2009-30766
Fire Control and Suppression
1Personal Air Safety System (PASS)
A contract to provide miners with real-time alerts to potentially harmful air contaminants if a dangerous threshold of either immediate or timed exposure is detected.
International Electronic Machines Corporation
200-2014-58753
Atmospheric Monitoring
Diesel Exhaust
1Post-Accident AMS System
A contract to develop a robust, intrinsically safe system that will incorporate atmospheric monitoring, two-way communications and miner tracking, all in a single network.
CONSPEC Controls Inc.
200-2009-31502
Atmospheric Monitoring
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Practical Risk Assessment Guidelines for Identifying, Assessing, and Mitigating Stored Energy Hazards in Underground Coal Mines During and After a Mine Emergency
A contract to determine risk analysis techniques for assessing and mitigating basic types of possible stored energy sources for currently available communication, tracking, and atmospheric monitoring systems (AMS).
URS Group Incorporated
200-2009-31346
Electrical Safety
Emergency Management
1RA Heat Mitigation System Utilizing Advanced Liquid Air Technologies
A contract to develop a heat and humidity mitigation system for refuge alternatives.
Cryo Life Support Systems, Inc.
200-2016-91194
Refuge Chambers
1Radio System Modifications for Improved Mine Safety (Medium Frequency)
A contract to increase the performance of medium frequency communications in underground mines.
Kutta Technologies, Inc.
200-2010-35295
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Rapid Response Rescue Drilling System Development for Mine Rescue Application
A contract to identify equipment needs, available contractors, and the development and demonstration process for a rapid response drilling system for mine rescue operations.
Center Rock, Inc.
200-2011-40682
Rescue Technologies and Training
1Real-Time Ground Movement Monitoring for Improved Safety Near Large Excavations Using Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing
A contract with the Missouri University of Science & Technology to investigate real-time ground movement monitoring for improved safety near large excavations using distributed fiber optic sensing.
Missouri University of Science & Technology
75D30120C09233
Ground Monitoring
Rock Falls
0Real-Time Hazard Recognition Using Video Gauge
A contract to adapt and use existing pattern-detection technology to identify minute changes in the mine environment.
RESPEC Inc.
200-2016-90416
Geologic Characterization
Ground Control Overview
1Reduction of Noise Exposure in Underground Mines by Improving Auxiliary Ventilation Technologies
A contract to develop ventilation technologies to reduce noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in the mining industry.
University of Utah
200-2015-63540
Hearing Loss Prevention Overview
1Reduction or Elimination of Coal Mining Related Respirable Dust Toxicity by Selection and Proper Application of Dust Control Additives
A contract with Penn State University to review and study various chemical dust control additives that have been proposed in the literature for reduction or elimination of dust toxicity.
Penn State University
75D30121C11927

0Refinement of and Integration of New Features into a Prototype for Long-Term and Post-Event Environmental Monitoring in Remote Areas of the Mine
A contract to further refine a prototype for remote sensing in an underground mine environment.
SenSevere LLC
200-2016-91195

1Refuge Alternatives in Underground Coal Mines
A contract to develop engineering guidelines associated with the location, construction, and general application of various refuge alternatives.
Foster-Miller, Inc. (now Qinetiq, North America)
200-2007-20276
Education and Training
Refuge Chambers
1Refuge Chamber Deployment and Occupancy Status During Mine Emergency Situations
A contract to incorporate a wireless base station into the MagneLink Magnetic Communication System (MCS) and to develop a mechanism that automatically activates a portable wireless text messaging device when a refuge chamber is opened or deployed.
Lockheed Martin Corporation
200-2012-52933
Refuge Chambers
1Remote Blast Hole Location Detection for Powder Loader Automation
A contract with J.H. Fletcher & Co. to explore the possibility of remote technology and automated blasting operations.
J.H. Fletcher & Co.
75D30121C12010

1Remote Methane Sensors
A contract to integrate a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) component into specialized electronics to measure methane levels in underground coal mines.
Ion Optics, Inc.
200-2008-24373c
Methane Detection and Monitoring
1Resource Identification for Improvement of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) in Underground Coal Mines
A contract to identify possible electromagnetic interference requirements for coal mining equipment to ensure proper operation of equipment used in mines with a view towards maximizing mine safety.
URS Corporation
NA
Electrical Safety
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Respirable Coal Mine Dust (RCMD) Research: Characterization, Deposition, Monitoring, and Mitigation of RCMD and Capacity Building for Mine Health and Safety
A capacity-building contract with the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology to perform respirable coal mine dust research, including characterization, deposition, monitoring, and mitigation of respirable coal mine dust.
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
75D30119C06390

0Respirable Coal Mine Dust: Mineral Content Sources, Monitoring and Control, and Building Capacity to Protect Miner Health
A capacity-building contract with Virginia Tech University to better understand, control, and monitor mineral content in respirable coal mine dust.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
75D30119C05529

0Respirable Crystalline Silica Characteristics and Sources in U.S. Underground Coal Mines
A contract with Virginia Tech University to research respirable crystalline silica characteristics in coal mine dust samples and in samples representative of major dust sources.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
200-2019-05528

1Roof Resistivity Monitoring System (RRMS)
A contract to explore how Roof Resistivity Monitoring can be used as both a real-time warning system as well as a means of locating problem areas to guide engineers to adjust their support methods.
C-2 Innovations, Inc.
200-2015-63541
Geologic Characterization
1Safe and Economical Inerting of Sealed Mine Areas
A contract to design and construct an in-mine mobile gas generation plant to extract nitrogen gas from mine air and inject it into sealed mine areas to maintain a safe environment.
On Site Gas Systems, Inc.
200-2008-24811c
Explosion Prevention
Seal Design
1Safety Aspects of Mine Ventilation Through Technical Development and Training
A capacity-building contract to investigate safety aspects of mine ventilation through technical development and training.
University of Kentucky
200-2009-30678
Ventilation Overview
1Safety Enhancing Technologies for Usage of Multi-Cell Battery Power Systems in Underground Equipment
A contract with the Southwest Research Institute to examine safety-enhancing technologies for usage of multi-cell battery power systems in underground equipment.
Southwest Research Institute
75D30119C05506

1Safety, Health, and Ventilation Cost Benefit Optimization with Simulation and Control
A capacity-building contract to improve ventilation tasks in deep and hot underground mines to decrease injury risks; improve working conditions; meet occupational, environmental, and health standards; and reduce costs to stay competitive.
University of Nevada
200-2009-30157
Ventilation Overview
1Sensors for Automated Control of Coal Dust (SACCD)
A contract to develop wireless sensor technology, using functional prototypes, that can continuously monitor the ratio of rock dust to coal dust throughout an underground coal mine.
University of California
200-2013-57155
Explosion Prevention
1Size-dependent Metric Analysis of Respirable Coal Mine Dust (RCMD)
A contract to provide metric analysis of dust particles collected by continuous personal dust monitor devices, which will result in useful information on dust compositions at various underground coal mines.
Michigan Technological University
75D30122C14732
Respirable Dust
Respiratory Diseases
0Smart Escape SCBA
A contract to develop a “smart” self-contained open circuit breathing apparatus (SCBA) that protects against threat gasses and provides an extended duration of life-sustaining oxygen inhale stream by monitoring the surrounding atmosphere.
Avon Protection Systems
200-2011-40687
Rescue Technologies and Training
1Snake Robot for Mine Rescue
A contract to leverage the on-going development of the new generation Tandem Track (TT) snake robot, by modifying this new system in a way that makes it suitable for operations in underground mines.
Raytheon Sarcos, LLC
200-2009-30721
Rescue Technologies and Training
1Sprinkler Head Emergency Communications
A contract to evaluate a fiber optic sprinkler head emergency communications system to determine if this concept can meet the communication, tracking, mine escape, and rescue requirements of an underground communication system.
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
200-2008-26293
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Strengthening an Existing 20-PSI Mine Seal with PPG's Polyurea Coated Retrofit
A contract to develop a spray-applied polyurea coating system that would upgrade existing 20-psi approved mine seals to withstand blast pressures greater than 60 psi.
PPG Industries
200-2007-20426
Seal Design
1Structural Analysis and Design of Seals for Coal Mine Safety
A contract to transfer protective structure design technology from the defense establishment to the design and construction of seals in the coal industry.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
08FED898343
Seal Design
1Subterranean Wireless Electronic Communication System
An interagency agreement to design and develop a subterranean wireless electronic communications system for the U.S. Army.
U.S. Army CERDEC
07FED717801
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Supplementary Technologies for Advanced Mine Communication Networks
A contract to develop a Universal Signal Evaluation Package for 75- and 150-MHz bands, adapt a passive magnetic amplifier for 900-MHz, and investigate energy harvesting technologies.
Foundation Telecommunications Inc.
200-2008-24628
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1System Reliability and Environmental Survivability
A contract to develop a practical methodology with appropriate technical guidelines that enables mine operators and enforcement agencies to evaluate the reliability of underground communications, tracking, and atmospheric monitoring systems.
Foster-Miller, Inc. (now QinetiQ North America)
200-2008-26864
Emergency Communications and Tracking
Emergency Management
1Technical Solutions for Enhancements to Mine Safety Using Barricade II Fire Blocking Gel
A contract to evaluate the use of Barricade II Fire Blocking Gel for use in mine fire prevention, control, or fire suppression technologies.
Northwest Barricade LLC
200-2008-24618c
Fire Control and Suppression
1Technology Upgrade of the Sarcos Snake Robot
A contract to provide a technology upgrade to the Sarcos snake robot that was built to assist in mine emergencies.
Sarcos, LLC
200-2015-M-62411
Rescue Technologies and Training
1Temporal and Spatial Characterization of Respirable Coal Mine Dust (RCMD)
A contract with the Michigan Technological University to reserach temporal and spatial characterization of respirable coal mine dust.
Michigan Technological University
200-2019-05527

1The Role of Gas Desorption in the Energetic Failure of Coal
A contract to evaluate the role of gas desorbing on the failure of coal and the resultant influence on dynamic failures such as bumps, bursts, and outbursts.
The Pennsylvania State University
200-2008-25702
Geologic Characterization
1Through-the-Earth (TTE) Communications: Range Reliability Improvements
A contract to develop and test an enhanced magnetics-based communications waveform with increased ability to provide communications in the presence of ambient noise and interference in order to extend existing magnetics-based technologies.
Lockheed Martin
200-2013-56128
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Through-the-Earth Communication Antenna Feasibility Demonstration
A contract to develop new antenna configurations to improve performance and utility of through-the-earth (TTE) communications systems once deployed in underground coal mines.
Raytheon-UTD
200-2014-58688
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Through-the-Earth Communication Systems for Underground Coal Mines: Product Final Development and Standardized Interface Definition
A contract to extend the operational range of a through-the-earth communications system while maintaining the portability and permissibility of the subsurface unit.
E-Spectrum Technologies, Inc.
200-2011-39884
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Through-The-Earth Wireless Real-Time Two-Way Voice Communications
A contract to design, build, and demonstrate a battery-powered, through-the-earth wireless voice communication system for overburdens of up to 600 feet.
Alertek, LLC
200-2008-25720
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Two-Way, Through-the-Earth Emergency Communication System for Trapped Miners and the Surface
A contract to design a prototype two-way, through-the-earth (TTE) emergency communication system, fabricate the hardware, and test the system at an underground coal mine.
Stolar Research, Inc.
200-2009-32117
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Ultra-Low Frequency Through-the-Earth Communication Technology
A contract to analyze, adapt, and test an existing ultra-low frequency (ULF), through-the-earth system for communication and tracking of underground mine personnel.
E-Spectrum Technologies
200-2008-26818
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Underground Mine Diesel Particulate Monitor Network
A contract to develop a monitor that can measure diesel particulate matter (DPM) in real time for at least a month and provide information on the mine-wide DPM concentrations to a central control station located on the surface.
Nomadics, Inc.
200-2010-36901
Diesel Exhaust
1Underground Mine Evacuation Technologies (UMET) and Human Factors Research
A contract with the University of Missouri to advance knowledge and frontiers in mine emergency evacuations and provide the basis for technology interventions that ensure safe miner self-escape as envisaged by the 2006 MINER Act.
University of Missouri
75D30120C08913

0Underground Vehicle Guidance Technology Refinement
A contract to aid miners who, during an emergency underground evacuation, have to travel through obscured visual conditions.
Raytheon
200-2015-63539
Rescue Technologies and Training
1Understanding and Design of Ventilation Systems and Their Optimization for Large Opening Underground Mines
A capacity-building contract with Penn State University to investigate the understanding and design of ventilation systems and their optimization for large-opening underground mines.
Penn State University
75D30119C05743

0Universal Mobile Refuge Alternatives Thermal Simulation Modeling Tool
A contract to provide a universal technology to  evaluate and facilitate the safe deployment of any refuge alternative (RA) by manufacturer-specified standards in any underground mine in in situ conditions selected for the siting of the RA.
University of Nevada, Reno
200-2014-59254
Refuge Chambers
1Using Advanced Large-Format Energy Storage Technology in Underground Mines
A contract to provide mines with information on advanced large-format energy storage and a comprehensive survey of the leading technologies and their likely failure modes.
General Electric Company
200-2014-59035
Electrical Safety
1Utilization of Booster Fans in Underground Coal Mines
A capacity-building contract to research using booster fans in deep coal mines in the western U.S., where coal seams can have over 3,000 ft of overburden causing ventilation and ground control problems.
University of Utah
200-2009-30328
Ventilation Overview
1Ventilation of Deep Open Pit Mines with Special Reference to Air Inversion in Arctic or Subarctic Regions
A capacity-building contract to evaluate and enhance the atmospheric health and safety conditions in open pit mines, with special reference to air inversion in arctic or subarctic regions.
University of Alaska Fairbanks
200-2009-31968
Ventilation Overview
1Visual-Inertial Drone Navigation for Underground Mine Environments
A contract to develop and evaluate autonomous navigation solutions for drones operating in GPS-denied mining environments.
SRI International
75D30118C02445

1Weak Rock Mass in Nevada Gold Mines: Behavior, Support Design, and Performance
A capacity-building contract to address ground control design issues in weak rock masses in Nevada.
University of Nevada, Reno
200-2011-39965
Geologic Characterization
1Wireless Mesh Mine Communication System
A contract to design, adapt, construct, install, and evaluate a wireless mesh communication network in an underground coal mine.
L-3 Global Security & Engineering Solutions (now Engility Corporation)
200-2007-20388
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1Wireless Sensor Network with Methane Gas Cloud Detector and Absolute Pressure Sensor
A contract to (1) conduct absolute pressure measurement and recording in both non-permissable and permissable areas of a coal mine and (2) explore methane gas cloud detection, measurement, and visualization.
Innovative Wireless Technologies
200-2015-63501
Atmospheric Monitoring
1Wireless Through-The-Earth Modeling and Support
A contract to determine the factors that most affect signal transmission and reception for through-the-earth communication systems.
Lockheed Martin Corporation
200-2011-39862
Emergency Communications and Tracking
1See Also
Funding Opportunities
Page last reviewed: August 31, 2017
Page last updated: February 13, 2024
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
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