Miner acoustic communication and location system

A mine communicator and location system comprising:

• a. a communicator for providing acoustic signals for transmission through the ground;
• b. a locator for receiving acoustic signals from the communicator comprising a geophone, a GPS receiver, and a transmitter for transmitting geophone signals and GPS position;
• and
• c. a receiver and a computer for receiving the transmitted information calculating the position of the communicator from the received information.

A method for locating miners in a mine comprising:

• a. generating acoustic sonic signals with a gas operated communicator, wherein the signals are transmitted into the roof, wall or floor of the mine;
• b. detecting the acoustic signals at the surface of the earth or below ground with a plurality of geophones that provide data as to the location of the communicator;
• and
• calculating the location of the communicator from the provided data.