"On the surface, engineers can use high-powered transmitters to boost a signal and help it to get through physical obstructions like walls or doors. But this would be impossible in a methane-filled mine, where communication devices need to operate on very little power—say, 1,000 to 2,000 times less energy than an average cell phone. Otherwise, an antenna could put out enough energy to ignite a gas explosion."

What kinda of mealy mouthed scientific information is this?

First - if a source (or the writer) can't accurately come up with an precise number for such an amount of energy that they know the energy rate of a average cell phone - they are not digging deep enough. Facts people - what is the amount of energy of 'an average cell phone'?

Second - the range of energy of a potential communication device must be a only 1/1000'th to 1/2000'th the power of said phone -- wow - that a pretty wide range of error to cover? Maybe the source - or the writer was just throwing off some stats they didn't back up -- cuz think of it - that is a wide range of power rate. Sounds like Republican Science - doesn't have to be varified - nor accurate - just make a statement and take it on faith.. cuz "The Decider" said its so.

Third - basic science folks. To ignite methane (the fuel source) - it has to be high enough concentration to support cumbustion along with oxygen. The 'antenna' is passively sending out radio frequencies!!!!!! That does not create an iginition source! You need ignition to set off a fire people! If you said... the electronic switches (which should be sealed in its cases to prevent exposure) for the re-transmitter were open to spark off methane - I could buy that - but that of course -would be stupid. Not really rocket science here either - get sealed units.

Who did this questions answering - answered it from oh so legit sources - the Coal Mining Association of West Virginia? They are already putting out 'news' to cover their unwillingness to protect their miners.

Get off your duff editors and the writer here... as it was a dumb question too!

We already knew that GPS didnt' work underground for the blindingly obvious.

How about finding alternative communication formats as a suggestion - anything? Anyone?

Dig. Don't be so lazy. I know its summer. Work must go on even then, even at a publication.