Abstract: An atmospheric detection system for use in a mine that includes a continuous miner used in highwall applications. The continuous miner includes a rotary cutter head attached to a frame and one or more motors for driving the rotary cutter head. A methane sensor adapted to detect an atmospheric condition is mounted to the continuous miner and positioned in close proximity to the rotary cutter head. A display is coupled to the methane sensor for displaying the atmospheric condition of the mine at a location remote of the methane sensor. A tramming conveyor and a load-out vehicle can be coupled to the continuous miner. The atmospheric detection system is adapted to be used in an underground mine where the continuous miner is positioned in a portion of the mine having an unsupported roof. The atmospheric detection system can be used in wing mining applications as well as highwall mining applications.