6 – Wireless networks in underground mines

Communications are an essential part of a mine's safety and operational management. In these challenging environments, wireless communications are advantageous to cabling due to robustness, coverage, and capability to communicate with mobile personnel and vehicles. This chapter provides an introduction to communications in underground mines, focusing especially on wireless networks. The characteristics of an underground mine are briefly discussed with some design implications. A case study on underground mine communications in Kemi mine, Finland is also presented. The focus of the case study is to expand the network coverage with a portable base station as the mining tunnels proceed to new production areas. Recent research is surveyed and suggestions for future research are given.

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