Minecom - Underground Mining Communications and Safety Systems

Minecom is a world leader in the design and manufacture of communication and safety systems for underground mines.

In one of the most hazardous workplace environments on earth, Minecom uses its extensive experience in all types of underground environments, from tunnelling and coal mining, to hard rock mining, to develop safety and productivity in reliable two-way communications.

Two-way communication systems for underground mines

Since 1988 Minecom has provided the mining and construction industries with the most reliable communications systems for their unique environments. We aim to establish enduring partnerships with our customers through our safety-first approach and by designing the most cost-effective dollar-per-meter solution available.

We take our commitments seriously and are proud to include BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Newcrest Mining among our long term customers. Always at the forefront of technology, our team of engineers work to ensure that our world leading communications systems are manufactured to the highest quality.

ISO 9001:2008 certified.

Leaky feeder system for underground mining

Using the latest technologies, Minecom have developed a leaky feeder system that is simpler to use; demystifying the complexity of underground communications.

The leaky feeder not only provides the communications backbone of underground mining, it also becomes the lifeline in an emergency. Working over Minecom’s leaky feeder system, emergency management provides a network of call stations for emergency communication and evacuation purposes.

Cables are used to transmit/receive RF signals throughout an underground tunnel system. With a ‘leaky’ outer shielding along the cable, it allows RF energy to leak from the cable, enabling signals from radio transceivers located nearby to enter and travel along the cable to the base station.

Leaky feeder cables for underground tunnel systems

The leaky feeder cable is supplied on 350m (1148ft) or 500m (1640ft) drums with a yellow or blue outer sheath respectively. There are printed length marks every meter (3ft). UHF system is designed to operate with 350m (1148ft) of leaky feeder between amplifiers, provided there are no branches between the amplifiers.

Minecom supplies the only leaky feeder cable which has a foam dielectric. This not only makes the cable more robust, it also prevents water from entering the inner core of the cable. The system uses advanced ZeroCal™ technology to ensure the system is ‘balanced’ and makes installation and maintenance straightforward.

Leaky feeder cable and components

Minecom leaky feeder cable and components are simple to connect together, ensuring easy ongoing maintenance and system scalability. Engineered for reliability and built to last, our systems provide the complete underground communications solution. To ensure longevity in harsh environments, all Minecom components are housed in robust, chemical and water-resistant enclosures.

Minecom’s leaky feeder cable is manufactured for use with the Minecom range of amplifiers and ancillary devices. All devices utilise Minecom’s proprietary leaky feeder terminal and saddle leaky feeder connections.