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Language: en

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But it is absolutely state-of-the-art there is nothing more advanced out there in the field right now. Virginia is now equipped with the most

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advanced mine rescue equipment

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available. We felt like we needed to get out front in mine rescue. The Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals

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and Energy started the state's first mine rescue team in

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2016.  Now that the roster is full

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they are equipping themselves with the best in underground mobility and communication

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It is all possible thanks to a grant from the Mine Safety and Health Administration

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This technology has moved us to the very front of mine rescue development communication. The IWT

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communication equipment is a multi-use system reaching up to six miles underground. It tracks the mine rescue team,

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continuously monitors the air and most importantly

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it is how those underground

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communicate. It goes all the way back out to the command center on the surface and out there

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We can make decisions quicker because we're getting information a lot quicker.

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To move as fast as possible the team needed a way to carry the equipment associated with the communication system underground.

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That's when they found R2. R2 is our rescue ride. We use it to haul people and equipment.

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Just help us get everything we need

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in as quickly as possible. Going in R2 holds the cable and other equipment needed to keep the

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communication line open.  That actually gives us a mobile command center that we don't have to reset.

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We can continuously move with it and move with the team as they explore.  R@ was specially designed

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For going into underground coal mines. It  was made here in Virginia

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and it is specially designed for underground use. It's what we call permissible approved.

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Coming out R2 can carry miners, helping them get to the surface faster.

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This equipment will be available for all emergency situations and to any mine rescue team that responds to an emergency

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Those other teams that don't have it are working with us  and that's why we wanted it.

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And, it's not only useful on a mine site. It ca be used in any search and rescue efforts should

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Virginia's mine rescue team get the call.

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For more information on mine safety in Virginia visit our website www.dmme.virginia.gov

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