Putting off a high-speed mining network because of cost? Time for a new excuse

When mine managers gave us their ideal network features list, N-Connex's engineers got to work. High-speed gigabit fiber backbone to handle the most demanding data requirements into the future, including autonomous vehicles. Check. Scalable, modular plug-and-play system with extensive features. Check. Can be installed and maintained by existing personnel. Check. Extensive control and automation to reduce costs and enhance productivity. Check again. And here was the best… lower cost with no required annual software subscription fee. Done.

Matrix's N-Connex provides the most effective purpose-built digital mining network for the lowest up-front and long-term costs on the market today. In fact, its cost per mile is 40% less than other solutions, depending on requirements. It offers an innovative core network with many applications. Whether implementation of voice communication, video, automated ventilation, emergency evacuation technology, autonomous vehicle operation or simply underground internet capability, N-Connex's solutions and applications enable its clients to expand or create an underground tracking and communication system specific to their needs.

Modular Plug-and-Play System

The simple beauty of the N-Connex system is its ability to meet your exact needs today and address your expansion or available resources tomorrow. With this adaptable/modular network, you can install a basic system, then add on features piece by piece. The system can even be installed and maintained by existing non-technical personnel. Modules are easy to deploy, disengage and redeploy with pre-terminated IP67 fiber and Ethernet cables.

Software and Applications

N-Connex's digital mine software is designed for mining applications and is a powerful, user friendly and intuitive software package that offers a range of modules designed to improve both safety and productivity. It features a multi-level map interface, zone management and real-time condition monitoring. Its emergency evacuation technology has alarm module and response management modes.

Communications

N-Connex offers the industry's most reliable and durable communications solutions. Its IP voice communication is standards compliant and will allow multiple devices to connect and operate over the network. Voice and data communications enable private calls, PTT broadcast, IP intercom, phones, tables, laptops, wireless adapters, input/output devices, tracing tags, radios and more. The reception is crystal clear and calm with multiple channels over which you can talk individually or as a group.

Network Data

N-Connex will handle all the data that your operation requires. It features underground internet capability and network access provided via Ethernet ports that support POE and Wi-Fi. Its data provides mines the ability to make adjustments on demand and shift directions to affect output. Electronic forms and pre-starts can be automatically uploaded. Safety documents and photos can be immediately recorded and transmitted. Productivity information and mining software can be viewed and accessed. Any kind of reports you would normally fill out on the surface can now be filled out underground.

Control and Automation

N-Connex provides a reliable and robust data highway that supports both simple telemetry and complex automation of equipment. Monitoring and controlling electrical equipment, like fans and pumps, results in considerable cost savings and improved efficiencies. Similarly, automating equipment saves time, improves safety and enhances productivity. The Gigabit data backbone of N-Connex, combined with our wireless access points, provide the necessary infrastructure to support the most complex automation tasks.

Tracking

The N-Connex tracking solution offers a reliable, detailed and flexible approach to tracking personnel, vehicles and assets throughout the mine. The tracking data's rapid delivery over the high-speed network ensures the information is relevant and usable for mine management, or in the event of an emergency, safety and rescue teams.

Video

N-Connex supports the use of IP cameras to monitor key locations in the mine. Cameras can be connected via Ethernet or Wi-Fi to N-Connex, providing video images in real time or on a frame rate that suits the application. N-Connex enables Power over Ethernet (PoE) so that IP cameras can be connected directly without requiring additional external power. Site access can also be tied to video monitoring where required, including access gates, tag readers, various tag solutions and software.

Condition Monitoring

N-Connex works with leading-edge providers of environmental, ventilation, gas and geotechnical monitoring systems to provide solutions that are innovative, reliable and accurate, enhancing operational efficiency and safety. This critical data can be used to automate production and safety processes or analyzed to fully understand the conditions in your operation. We're integration experts, providing complete solutions that monitor critical conditions at your operation.

Emergency Technology

A suite of emergency features is provided through N-Connex's alarm module and advanced evacuation technology. Health and safety are a primary goal of the system.

Matrix

Matrix is a safety and productivity technology leader for underground mining and industrial applications. Its innovative product line includes systems for proximity detection, communications and tracking, atmospheric monitoring, lighting and cameras.

Since 2006, Matrix's core business has been mining safety. The company designs, manufactures, sells and supports a range of cost-effective new-tech products. While best known for its IntelliZone proximity detection system, Matrix has expanded beyond the underground coal mining industry and now sells into industrial markets globally. Today, the company has introduced - and continues to launch - suites of leading-edge products that help their customers operate more safely and productively.

IntelliZone Proximity Detection System

Headquartered in Newburgh, Indiana, Matrix has offices in Lexington, KY, Johannesburg, South Africa and service locations throughout its mining regions. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., the leading low-cost underground coal producer in the Eastern US. This relationship gives Matrix ongoing access to mines for product testing and improvement.

Matrix's current roster of products includes: