The federal green light, filed as approval 6D-42-8 PAR 96042, now allows coal operations in the US to meet PPL-09 and MINER Act approval without having to install cables or system infrastructure beyond the loadout point.

In fact, in most cases, only small RFID tags are required for the use of Messenger RT units, typically at the intersection of entries and the second open crosscut.

MSHA approval also permits NLT to begin shipping Messenger units to coal mines with a Wi-Fi network, including the NL digital network or any system offering standards-based Wi-Fi.

Messengers have been installed widely across Australian coal mines since 2009.

NLT said the units were available through its industry partner, Pennsylvania-based Becker Wholesale Mine Supply.

NLT has offices in Canada, Australia and Chile and also maintains a large group of global distribution partners.

It launched its Northern Light Digital division in 2004 to design underground tracking and communications systems.

NLT and US distributor Strata Products Worldwide announced the federal approval of the NL Polaris – the first cordless cap lamp to earn MSHA approval – last July.