Two companies – one Canadian, the other American – have been named joint winners of the 2008 cross-border business achievement award, the Canadian American Business Council (CABC) announced today. The technology involved is in underground communications, one of the features of the December issue of International Mining. The companies, Active Control Technology of Burlington, Ontario, and MeshDynamics of Santa Clara, California, came together in response to tough new safety rules in the US following coal mining disasters there in 2006, in which rescuers had no really effective way to communicate with miners trapped far below the surface.
Together, the two companies found a solution. Active Control is expert in wireless communication systems for use in extreme environments; the American company, MeshDynamics, develops advanced ‘mesh’ networking technology. They joined forces to develop ActiveMineTM, an innovative and potentially life-saving underground wireless communication and locating system that is now being marketed for use in coal and hard rock mines worldwide. The system enables two-way voice and data communications, as well as the continuous monitoring of mine production, personnel and equipment. The two companies have advanced ActiveMine beyond its initial conception as a safety net into a powerful mine productivity tool.
“Canada’s strong relationship with the US has made our partnership possible, enabling the joint development of a mine communications and tracking system that’s far ahead of its field,” said Steve Barrett, President and CEO, Active Control.
“By reaching across the border to partner with a Canadian company, we have opened up promising new opportunities for our technology in the mining sector,” said Byron Henderson, Vice President, Marketing, MeshDynamics.
“The award is given annually to two companies whose collaborative innovative thinking and successful problem-solving demonstrates the strength and importance of the business and trade relationships between Canada and the US”, explained Karen Phillips, Chair, Canadian American Business Council, Vice President, North American Government Affairs, CN. Established in 1987, the CABC is the voice of the Canadian – American business community in Washington, an issues-oriented non-profit that puts forward the private sector perspective on issues that affect the two countries.
The winners are chosen by an international panel of judges using exacting standards that examine sustained profitability, job creation, financial strength, environmental responsibility, corporate synergy, exceptional imagination and extraordinary innovation.
