Personal communication methods in underground coal mines are far less sophisticated and efficient than surface level communication techniques. This deficiency can be attributed to the generally unfavourable and hazardous environment prevailing underground which acts as a deterring factor for their development. However, effective and reliable communication between underground coal mines and the control room on the surface is essential for safety and emergency rescue operations. Wireless communication is not a viable alternative because of the high attenuation profile as well as variation in the propagation path through uneven structures of underground coal mines and inflammable gases and moisture generally present there. Hence, wired personal communications using an existing structure such as power lines forms a very efficient and economical approach. This paper investigates the developments of communication in underground coal mines in India and presents an overview of the power line communication (PLC) technology. The possible use of PLC especially for deployment in underground coal mines in India is discussed in detail.

地下煤矿中的个人通信方法远不如地面通信技术复杂和有效。这种缺陷可归因于普遍不利和危险的地下环境，这是其发展的阻碍因素。然而，井下煤矿与地面控制室之间有效、可靠的通信对于安全和应急救援行动至关重要。无线通信不是可行的替代方案，因为高衰减曲线以及通过地下煤矿的不均匀结构和通常存在于那里的可燃气体和湿气的传播路径的变化。因此，使用现有结构（例如电力线）的有线个人通信形成了一种非常有效和经济的方法。本文调查了印度煤矿井下通信的发展，并概述了电力线通信 (PLC) 技术。详细讨论了 PLC 的可能用途，特别是在印度地下煤矿中的部署。