Active Control Technology Inc ATIVF

International Longwall News Newsletter - Thur

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Active Control scores major WV orders Thursday, January 03, 2008 ACTIVEMINE communications and tracking system developer Active Control Technologies has received a $US1.4 million purchase order for installations at three underground coal operations in West Virginia. Active Control Technologies' ActiveMine communications and tracking system. While the mines' owner and specific locations were not disclosed, the Canadian company said the systems' placements would occur prior to the deadline outlined by the state. ACT would only call the customer "a major coal mining company". The order is also pending regulatory approval of ActiveMine by the US Mine Safety and Health Administration, which is still outstanding, as well as other conditions. ACT said the system installations include significant above-ground wireless network components for voice and data communications, as well as facilities and operations. "We look forward to delivering the safety and operational benefits of ActiveMine to each of the three mines and their above-ground facilities," said ACT president Steve Barrett. "At the same time, we remain fully engaged in discussions for additional purchases with other mine operators in West Virginia and other states." In November, West Virginia operator Magnum Coal placed a $1.8 million order for ActiveMine systems to be placed at five of its Appalachian mines. Just one month before that, two orders for an undisclosed amount were received by ACT from an unnamed international-reaching mining machinery company. The customer's identity and specific application has been kept confidential at the manufacturer's request, but the company could say two wireless systems were ordered for the client's automation program. The ActiveMine system received approval for use in West Virginia in July, with the West Virginia Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training being the first government regulator to certify that ActiveMine was fully functional in accordance with new safety rules requiring emergency communications and tracking systems in underground coal mines. The system was designed to meet MINER Act wireless system requirements. "Underground coal mine operators can now be confident that ActiveMine delivers the communications and locating performance required under West Virginia's tough safety rules," Barrett said at the time. "We have the technology and infrastructure in place to help them meet the regulations on time."