In mining, technology is an evolving and continuously improving process of applying new and better technologies and systems to solve problems. In many cases, technology has significantly enhanced mining.
To recognize key safety milestones in technology, 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. This year, two NMA members, CONSOL Energy Inc. and Komatsu Mining were honored for their innovative work
In the coal category, CONSOL won for its use of proximity detection systems on longwall shields, preventing shield movement when it poses a danger and providing significant advanced protections to prevent crushing or pinning injuries to workers who operate in close proximity to the shields.
CONSOL partnered with Komatsu to develop and test a system that combines low-power transceivers and worker-worn battery-powered tags to protect nearby workers. CONSOL and Komatsu received the award during the NMA’s Safety Award Ceremony on Sept. 27, 2018.