Matrix Design Group has completed the first installations of advanced communications and tracking systems to be fully compliant with the requirements of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act (MINER Act). Matrix recently completed installation of its METS 2.1 wireless tracking and communication technology at all of the underground coal mines operated by the independent subsidiaries of Alliance Resource Partners LP (ARLP).

ARLP operates nine mining complexes in the Illinois Basin, Northern Appalachian and Central Appalachian coal producing regions. Matrix President, Aric Pryor commented. “Our METS 2.1 systems provide operators with both a vital safety tool in the event of a mine emergency and a valuable production tool that allows for efficient communications between surface and underground mining personnel.”

“Alliance operating companies were among the early adopters of tracking and communication safety technology in the industry,” said Joseph W. Craft III, ARLP President and CEO. “With installation of the METS 2.1 systems now completed on all mining sections, Alliance operators are the first underground mining companies to fully install the post-accident communication and electronic tracking devices envisioned by the MINER Act.”

Matrix is the industry leader in the development of tracking and communication systems, with over 180 systems sold. Matrix continually adds new features to METS, including post-accident atmospheric monitoring, and is also already testing the next generation of post-accident infrastructure and communications.