Specifically, MSHA approval has been granted on the breathable air (oxygen system) and harmful gas removal (MARCis unit) components.

The MARCis unit is MineARC’s intrinsically safe scrubbing and airconditioning system that maintains the refuge chamber’s internal environment by continually removing the buildup of carbon-dioxide, carbon-monoxide, and heat generated by the miners as they sit safely inside waiting for rescue.

MSHA’s approval letter to MineARC states: “The design of this harmful gas removal component (the MARCis) meets the applicable requirements of Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 7.508 (30CFR Section 7.508).”

MineARC Systems America general manager James Rau said achieving MSHA approval is a significant step for MineARC.

“Customers can purchase from us with the confidence that our refuges meet the highest global safety standards in coal mining, relating to refuge alternatives,” he said.

“There is a real sense of achievement at MineARC with the MARCis unit being the first cooling system approved for coal mine refuge alternatives. Testing has shown that the refuge can operate in high temperatures while still maintaining the 95°F internal apparent temperature threshold.”

MSHA’s 30CFR Section 7.508, commonly known as MSHA ‘Final Rule’ was first introduced into US mining legislation in 2008 following calls for a more stringent set of requirements to be placed on refuge chamber manufacturers and coal mines.

To comply with the new approvals, MineARC implemented a state-of-the-art production process including: a purpose-built oxygen clean room, comprehensive component tracking, and detailed standard operating procedures.

Existing customer units are being returned to MineARC and upgraded to comply with the new approvals.