iRIS is the developer behind the new intelligent digital system, which it has previously described as having two key components: an inspection tool and knowledge-based  research database. The process would involve feeding back data from real experience of fire safety and fire incidents into the inspection tool.

The system was launched across all Swedish mines in January this year and includes an educational programme for users.

The Swedish Association of Mines work environment committee highlighted the need to address this problem in 2015 during a meeting with researchers and practitioners. In Sweden alone, roughly €2 million (US$2.2 million) is lost each year because of mine site fires, with a majority from vehicles. 

EIT has highlighted the opportunity for international application.

The next step is the Fire and Rescue in Mines II project, which aims to reduce the time spent fighting fires and the seriousness of the consequences by using remote-controlled firefighting technology and wearable technology.