The intrinsically safe approval from the US Mine Safety and Health Administration means that both devices can now be used with the METS 2.1 system. The system itself was given federal approval in August 2008.

“In a year when operators are focused on reducing costs and complying with increasing regulation, we are proud to introduce the R2100W wireless node – the most cost-effective, practical option available for communicating with and locating miners on the working section,” Matrix president Aric Pryor said.

“We are also proud of the approval of the WAMS-CO wireless CO sensor, the only post-accident wireless AMS CO sensor available.”

The METS system has been in use since 2006 for worker and equipment tracking underground across the US. There are currently over 5000 METS tracking tags in production use daily.

Matrix received IS approval for one of its other devices, the Matrix Miner Monitor proximity detection system, in late February. The system, intended for use on continuous miners, is now approved for use in all United States underground coal operations for the prevention of “red zone” injuries and fatalities.