Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

The use of GPS technology has become widespread with many benefits to society as well as industry and the economy. However, the necessary technologies required to duplicate GPS accurate positioning in an underground mine have not yet been developed to a viable level. The accurate positioning of equipment, people and structures underground has been identified by Peck Tech Consulting Ltd. as having immediate benefit to a mine's operation. Imminent collision detection and optimal equipment guidance are just two of many examples of the direct impact of an accurate positioning system on safety and performance. Positioning is also a key component of automation and the long-term benefits of removing workers from the hazards of underground mining. Recent advances in wireless positioning solutions using ultra wide-band (UWB) signalling coupled with new beacon, network, antenna and signal processing technologies have increased the accuracy of indoor tracking and positioning. These technologies have promising characteristics for adaptation to underground environments. Working with our industry partner, Saskatchewan Polytechnic will draw on its existing expertise to create and test a prototype wireless underground positioning system based on recent research and technologies in indoor positioning.