Trials for diesel engines in underground coal mines target the levels of methane gas and lower levels of oxygen. To expand the operational parameters of diesel engines would expand the opportunities for vehicles to travel in levels of methane and lower levels of oxygen, ensuring continuous operation for escaping a mine. It would also allow rescue crews to reenter a mine under controlled conditions. Mines rescue teams would be able to travel part of the way to their objectives by vehicle, before completing their journey on foot. At present teams must walk all the way, and as mines become larger, this becomes a significant burden on teams and the limitation of time.

This project will have a direct effect on mine safety and the effectiveness of mines rescue teams.

QMRS is currently in the process of sourcing designs and ready built capsules for QMRS and the Queensland Mining Industry. The project would see a rescue capsule permanently available through QMRS and readily deployed through the QMRS emergency system.