Ground monitoring in underground mines: Miner’s Helper from SMI

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Mining Program applied ground monitoring methods in a variety of mines to provide operators with a history of the stability of the mine opening. This allows for the installation of additional support where needed or the removal of personnel and equipment from potentially hazardous situations.

Ground monitoring devices for mines

Simplified Mine Instruments (SMI) provides a range of ground monitoring devices for underground mines, from extensometers to borehole cameras.

For continuous rock monitoring, SMI offers the Miner’s Helper Extensometer. This single-point extensometer utilizes a reflectorized rod that activates when a user-defined amount of movement occurs. The Miner’s Helper Remote Readable Roof Monitor enables users to gather this data remotely, collecting data in the rib box and indicating when user-defined movement occurs using a flashing LED light.

SMI also offers the Miner’s Eye borehole camera, which provides a straight-ahead and 90-degree visualization with an on-screen distance measurement reading for visual inspections of boreholes as small as 1-5/8 inches in diameter.

For roof monitoring, SMI supplies the Sag Flag, which provides a continuous visual indication of roof sag movement via a reflectorized flag and a scale on the plunger.

Where to buy SMI ground monitoring devices

As part of a new partnership, Carroll Technologies is able to supply a range of SMI products.

With more than 40 years of experience providing safety solutions to more than 800 mines, Carroll Technologies offers expert advice to its customers for finding the best equipment for their needs.

Purchasing ground monitoring devices through Carroll Technologies gives customers access to MinerCare 24/7, the most comprehensive product support service in the mining industry. MinerCare offers around-the-clock technical assistance, as well as rapid response to emergency situations- supporting more than 800 mines with a spare parts inventory worth more than $7 million from 70+ manufacturers at distribution centers across the US. Carroll also performs factory-authorized repair and certification, maximizing the value of customer investment.

For more information about the distribution of SMI equipment provided through Carroll Technologies send an inquiry here or call 606-573-1000

Watch the video below to learn more about SMI’s roof separation monitoring solution.