Initial Study of Buried Communication Cable for Underground Mines

The objective of this project was to perform a preliminary study to determine the desirability/practicality of burying the communication cables in underground mines in order to protect then from the effects of fires and explosions. We conducted discussions with Government and industry specialists on the physics of mine fires and explosions, mine disaster fighting, rescue, and investigation activities, and on mine operations. In addition, we examined published experimental work and selected detailed MSHA accident reports on fires and explosions in underground mines. We found the overall desirability/practicality of cable burial must be regarded at this time as highly questionable, because of its benefit limitations to special scenarios, its practical operational shortcomings, and the availability of alternative cable protection options.