Real time data means more time at the face.


Real time data means more time at the face.

News

25 June 2026

 

 

Agreement brings regional technical, design and automation support to underground mining customers in Nevada, with broader Western U.S. coverage to follow


Sudbury, Ontario
— Maestro Digital Mine, a Canadian manufacturer of underground IIoT devices, last-mile digital communication networks and analytics software for the mining industry, has appointed Surety Automation as its manufacturer’s representative for the State of Nevada. The agreement takes effect immediately and supports Maestro’s broader plan to expand regional representation across the Western United States.

Nevada is one of North America’s most important underground mining regions, with operations that rely on robust digital infrastructure, real-time environmental monitoring, dependable communications and automation systems built for demanding underground conditions. The appointment of Surety Automation gives Maestro customers in this priority market access to additional technical and design support, helping ensure each solution is aligned with the realities of the site, the application and the operation.

Under the agreement, Surety Automation will work alongside the Maestro team to support application review, system design discussions, front-end project coordination and regional customer development for Maestro’s underground monitoring, communication and analytics technologies.

“Our customers in the Western United States operate in some of the most demanding underground mining environments in North America, and they need support that is close to the work,” said Michael Gribbons, Founder, President and CEO of Maestro Digital Mine. “Surety Automation brings the regional presence, automation experience and technical discipline needed to support these projects properly, giving operators a knowledgeable local point of contact who understands both industrial automation and the realities of mining operations.”

Surety Automation brings more than 41 years of combined automation experience across multiple industries, with capabilities spanning consultation, design, panel construction, systems integration and instrumentation services. The veteran-owned company is based in the Western United States and has experience supporting industrial customers through complex automation requirements. Chris Raymond, Owner of Surety Automation, has worked with Newmont Mining, Barrick Gold, Nevada Gold Mines, Emerson Automation and the U.S. Air Force, bringing a practical understanding of mining, industrial systems and disciplined technical execution to the partnership.

“Maestro’s technology fits a real need in this region,” said Chris Raymond, Owner of Surety Automation. “Mines are looking for reliable monitoring, communication and analytics solutions that can be applied effectively underground, not just specified on paper. With our background in mining, automation and industrial technical support, we are proud to represent Maestro and help customers in Nevada and across the Western U.S. plan and implement systems that support safer, more efficient operations.”

About Maestro Digital Mine

Maestro Digital Mine designs and manufactures industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices, last-mile digital communication networks and analytics software for underground mining. Its solutions support real-time environmental monitoring, ventilation optimization and digital connectivity, helping mining companies improve worker safety, operational efficiency, and decision-making in complex underground environments.

About Surety Automation 

Surety Automation is a veteran-owned industrial automation company serving customers across the Western United States. With more than 41 years of combined automation experience, the company provides consultation, design, panel construction, systems integration and instrumentation services across multiple industrial sectors. Surety Automation brings practical technical expertise, disciplined project support and a strong commitment to helping customers improve efficiency, reliability and sustainability

For more information, visit www.maestrodigitalmine.com and www.surety-automation.com 

Media Contact:

Lindsay Moorhouse
Director, Marketing and Communications
Maestro Digital Mine
lindsay.moorhouse@maestrodigitalmine.com

 

04 July 2022
05 July 2021
16 February 2021
24 February 2020
05 November 2018

SUDBURY, ON - The Ultra-Deep Mining Network (UDMN) held its second annual Symposium for its 76 network members from across Canada and announced the first of many UDMN commercial successes by one of its members, Maestro Mine Ventilation.

Maestro was presented with UDMN's Outstanding Achievement in Commercialization award for a technical innovation which ensures the safety of underground miners. The rapid commercial sale of this product to some of the deepest mines in the world is a testament that Maestro's efforts combined with UDMN funding and guidance can in fact bring technology faster to market which in turn benefits the mining industry and Canadians.

 
Maestro's Vigilante AQS™ is currently being used in over 70 underground mines globally.

Underground mines have challenging environmental conditions that include toxic gases from the drill and blast operation or gases given off by the surrounding strata rock. Protecting miners from acute or chronic gas with potential detrimental health conditions is paramount for any responsible mining company. To achieve this, a variety of sensors are required to transmit real time data from the underground workings to the surface control rooms. By using this technology, miners are able to return safely to their working areas quicker allowing significant productivity increases. However, these sensors require frequent maintenance and calibration in order to maintain accurate measurements. The previous technology required underground calibrations at each individual location using test gases. Several physical and environmental challenges prevented an accurate and repeatable calibration.
 
Maestro, with the support of the UDMN, has tackled this real-life application by designing and developing a digital gas sensor that can be calibrated on surface in a stable controlled environment. The digital sensors then can be "hot swapped" by a ventilation technician without the requirement of any sort of underground calibration.

Built upon the IoT (Internet of Things), the digital sensors have a complete suite of diagnostics to help determine the health of the complete system and provide maximum system uptime.

"This innovation has allowed our Vigilante AQS™ environmental stations to be installed in some of the deepest mines on the planet," states Michael Gribbons, vice-president of Maestro. "Prior to this innovation, the underground miners lacked the confidence of the gas readings since there was no practical method of calibrating the sensors or understanding if the sensors were even working. The IoT digital sensors allow this to become a reality. This will result in major productivity improvements by getting the miners safely back to the face quicker."

Maestro is driven to provide ventilation solutions to improve the underground work environment and extend miner's lives while still providing economical solutions to increase production, conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gases.
 
To learn more about how to increase productivity and help keep miner's safe, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
UDMN HOR
 


For more information:
Michael Gribbons
Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Phone: +1 705 805-6918 ext 203
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Maestro Mine Ventilation
(a division of High Grade Controls Corporation)
87 Magill Street
Sudbury, Ontario P3Y 1K6 Canada
www.maestroventilation.com

Save

Save

footer.jpg