Arlington:

Radios and other electronic equipment can be manufactured to "explosion proof" specifications, so they don't ignite a fire or explosion in hazardous atmospheres. This has little to do with how much power they put out. For example, there are explosion-proof radios that transmit 5 or 6 watts of RF power, the normal amount associated with "walkie-talkie" type radios.

The problem with underground mines is that radio waves, even when transmitted at very high power, don't penetrate the earth very far.

The satellite signals from GPS won't even penetrate a heavy forest canopy.

Now, could mine owners provide a system to communicate and locate people underground? Sure, but it would cost money and they don't want to spend money. They would rather sacrifice lives than profits, so there you are.

Spot on! RF is not an ignition source. How do fires start? Who is the source for this information? Ask questions!

Don't be a stenographer for the mining owners!

Pax