Abstract: A below ground mining vehicle, and a method for converting an above ground vehicles into the same, which is particularly adapted for transporting workers and/or light equipment. An above ground vehicle, such as a sport utility vehicle, is modified and components are added thereto in accordance with the present invention, to arrive at the below ground mining vehicle. The vehicle includes: a speed limited engine; a transmission having its upper forward speeds disabled; fire suppression means in the vicinity of the engine; a manual fuel shut off valve in the fuel line; an engine intake air shut off valve which closes in response to a temperature sensor detecting an abnormal engine temperature; a battery box enclosing a battery; a circuit breaker serially connected with the battery; fire suppression means in the vicinity of the fuel tank; a fire suppression means in the vicinity of the exhaust muffler; and a back up alarm.