Abstract: An emergency communication system is provided in an underground mine having a plurality of locations capable of being mined. A cable extends from a central station to each of the mining locations. An emergency receiver ties into the cable located in each location and further connects to a load center which provides power to the mining equipment in that location. The emergency receiver further includes an alarm and an emergency switch and an oral communication system. A switchboard located at the central station is tied into the cable and is in independent signal communication with each location. The switchboard includes a power on/off switch and an oral communication system for each location. Activation of the system by the dispatcher or operator in the central station, or activation by a miner within a mining location, automatically turns off the power from the load center to the mining equipment in that location.