Lockheed Martin and Carroll Technologies Group have signed a distribution agreement for a new wireless, through-the-earth communications system designed specifically to help the mining industry improve post-accident emergency communications.

Under the agreement, Lockheed Martin will provide the technology and manufacturing of the MagneLink Magnetic Communication System (MCS), which delivers voice communication and texting to trapped miners during a disaster. Carroll Technologies Group, through its two operating subsidiaries - Carroll Engineering Co. and Delta Electric, Inc. - will act as the distributor, sales and service supplier of the system.

"Lockheed Martin's technology, paired with Carroll Technologies Group's presence and experience in the mining industry, provides trapped miners the means to communicate with rescuers when no other form of contact is possible," said Richard Holmberg, Lockheed Martin's vice president who oversees the program.

"It's gratifying to apply our advanced communications and signal processing expertise in a new way to save lives."

MagneLink is a self-contained, portable communications system that provides two-way voice and text communications by transmitting magnetic waves through the earth. This technology eliminates the need for transmission wires and in-ground infrastructure required for standard radio communications. MagneLink also is capable of interfacing with miners' hand-held emergency radios.

"One of the reasons for our more than three decades of success is that we continually seek to build relationships with companies who are leaders in their field, such as Lockheed Martin" said Mike Hastings, chief executive officer of Carroll Technologies.

"We are very pleased that they have chosen to leverage our extensive sales and service network for this breakthrough product."

Lockheed Martin has conducted several successful in-mine demonstrations of the system and is working with the Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to approve the equipment for use in mines. MSHA approval is anticipated this summer, at which time MagneLink systems can be ordered.

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