Lynchburg, VA, January 30, 2025 – Innovative Wireless Technologies, Inc. (IWT), a leader in advanced communications and tracking solutions for the mining industry, is proud to announce that two of our experts will be presenting at SME MINEXCHANGE 2025, a premier mining conference and expo.
Our speakers will share insights on “Advancing Mine Safety Through Real-Time Atmospheric Monitoring and Data Analytics” and “Redefining Collision Prevention for Underground Mining With Proximity Systems Using Next-Generation Radio Technology”. These topics address key challenges and innovations in mining safety and operational efficiency. Attendees can expect in-depth discussions on how cutting-edge technology is shaping the future of the industry.
Presentation Details:
SME MINEXCHANGE 2025, Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO.
Tuesday, February 25 Coal & Energy: Technology, Innovation and AI/ML technical sessions:
10:45 AM — Advancing Mine Safety Through Real-Time Atmospheric Monitoring and Data Analytics.
Presented by Swathi Prabhu, IWT’s Director of Engineering, Kermitt Melvin and James Jarrett Lewis of Leer Mining Complex, Grafton, WV.
IWT developed the Wireless Gas Monitor (WGM), a cutting-edge multi-sensor platform for real-time atmospheric monitoring at Leer’s mine. Designed to meet regulatory standards, the WGM ensures the health and safety of mining personnel. The WGM utilizes infrared and catalyst-based sensors for accurate gas detection and is easily portable and battery-operated. It integrates seamlessly into Leer’s large-scale mesh communication and tracking system, eliminating the need for additional infrastructure and speeding up deployment. By integrating gas and atmospheric sensors into C&T and FactoryTalk® systems with IWT’s ServerLink™ OPC interface, IWT leverages its technological innovation alongside Leer’s mining expertise to identify additional data that enhances safety. Advanced data analytics on atmospheric readings are then used to develop actionable insights and advanced algorithms.. IWT continues to advance technology with AI and machine learning algorithms for ventilation monitoring, further enhancing mining safety and operational efficiency through their joint efforts with Leer Mine.
11:05 AM — Redefining Collision Prevention for Underground Mining With Proximity Systems Using Next-Generation Radio Technology
Presented by IWT Product Manager, Paul May.
Underground mining environments contain many factors that unfortunately lead to accidents involving mining personnel and moving equipment. First generation proximity detection systems have improved the location of miners sharing travel ways with moving equipment, but the electromagnetic technology used by those systems is prone to interference from high voltage AC lines, other electrical equipment, and even co-located personal dust monitors. Next generation proximity systems based on Radio Frequency (RF) transmissions have exhibited much better interference protection and provides improved location accuracy. The RF-based system can identify personnel tags at distances exceeding 100 ft and tracks numerous devices simultaneously with multiple location updates per second. This allows the system to make intelligent decisions on throttle reduction and breaking well before emergency stops are required. The result is a gentle reduction in vehicular speed with simultaneous warnings to mining personnel to avoid the stoppage of vehicles and production. This presentation will provide details on the performance of the RF-based proximity system and with short videos of real-world performance
In addition to the presentations, IWT will have booth 1531 at the event where attendees can learn more about our industry-leading wireless communications, tracking, and data solutions. Also featured in the booth will be IWT’s new Guardian™ Proximity System and the WGM+, the latest in Wireless Gas Monitoring.
To register for SME MINECHANGE 2025, visit https://smeannualconference.org/register/
