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The idea of mine rescue is a bit of a para- dox: it represents a significant facet of the mining industry, from mine rescue teams and competitions to safe working initia- tives, and it is a subject of great focus for research and product development. However, at the same time, it is a topic some put on the back burner mentally, in part because of negative connotations including injury, the potential for death and the unthinkable emergency that could put the lives of workers in peril. That said, underground mining serves itself best by staying proactive and, when a lapse in safety occurs, gleaning as much as possible from the incident and what went wrong. There are many systems and prod- ucts available today because of a lesson learned from a terrible day on the job — case in point, refuge shelters — but just as many developed by those willing to think outside the box. As miners make an effort to work safer, there are many out there willing to work in collaboration with operations to keep them that way, from atmospheric moni- toring solutions to the best in breathing assistance. There is also a significant evo- lution occurring in training and the virtual reality space. Staying ahead of the curve comes down to one key idea: communication. Mining is doing a great job of coming together, from operations to suppliers to researchers and others, bringing about ideas for a safer tomorrow. As that continues, look ahead for more on mine safety's latest and where it is heading, according to some of the sec- tor's top companies. A Long-standing Partnership One doesn't make it to 125 years in business without doing at least one thing right, and Dräger is a great example of that. A part of the U.S business landscape since the early 1900s, and launcher of the first closed-cir- cuit breathing apparatus (CCBA) in 1907, the company has learned more than a few things about mine safety along the way. Dräger was also quick to make its place in the mining community, playing a sig- nificant role in the very first mine rescue competition in 1911; moreover, many mine history buffs and hardcore mine safety devotees will know the origin of the term "Drägerman" used for mine rescuers of the early times (a term still used today) and even Dräger's mention in a famous 1938 Superman comic book. According to Kent Armstrong, global busi- ness development manager for Dräger's mining segment, the company has built upon that over the decades to shape where it is today and where it will go in the future; in fact, it is love for the industry that has helped Dräger find inspiration for product improvements and enhancements. "We are mining technology junkies and we're always looking at the techniques being used to go 'farther, deeper and faster' in mines," he said. "Recognizing new hazards, like NO 2 emissions, inspire us to innovate and cre- ate new products to keep miners safe. Mine rescue requirements are in tune with the marketplace — constantly changing, and we're challenged to make equipment that can be worn safely for hours during an emergency." Today the company is known for its daily- use respiratory protection line as well as its emergency breathing solutions, professional mine rescue lineup and its gas detection products. It would be a fruitless task to find a mine rescuer today who has never encoun- tered a Dräger in his or her experience. As Armstrong noted, their commitment to those who put the safety of others above themselves is unwavering. "[We] support our products in the field m i n e r e s c u e B Y D O N N A S C H M I D T , F I E L D E D I T O R 36 www.coalage.com November 2014 A Safer Tomorrow The latest in technology and research to keep miners safe both before and after an emergency Dräger played a significant role in the very first mine rescue competition in 1911. A modern rescuer dons a Dräger SCBA.