A family and Veteran own business creating underground monitoring devices for over 30 years.
Simplified Mine Instruments is led by a family deeply rooted in mining innovation. Together, we drive product development, operations, and support with a focus on reliability, simplicity, and long-term performance underground.
Ben Rankin has owned and operated Simplified Mine Instruments (SMI) since 2015, succeeding his father, Joe Rankin. With more than 20 years of professional experience, he directs SMI’s sales, product development, and manufacturing, prioritizing efficiency and innovation in mining solutions. Before leading SMI, Ben served as an automation specialist and Field Service Representative, developing expertise in electrical systems and communication. His service as an E-5/EM2 in the U.S. Coast Guard (2003–2007) strengthened his skills in leadership and equipment maintenance, overseeing critical technical operations. Ben earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Thomas Edison State University in 2017. His background in sales, technical operations, and military service shapes his effective leadership at SMI.
Joseph E. Rankin Sr. began his mining career in 1975 at age 21, influenced by Jack Parker in White Pine, Michigan, focusing on practical ground control solutions. He worked as a rock mechanic technician with Cargill Salt. In 1991, he founded Simplified Mine Instruments (SMI) to develop instruments for the mining industry. From 2004 to 2015, Joe conducted field work and consultation for underground mines, and in 2015, he partnered with his son Ben to expand SMI, and in 2020, he and his son Joe Jr. launched Rock Trackers LLC to help mines solve ground control challenges. Today, Joe works with a few clients through Rock Trackers and SMI, often tinkering with instruments and sharing his expertise.
Ben Rankin has owned and operated Simplified Mine Instruments (SMI) since 2015, succeeding his father, Joe Rankin. With more than 20 years of professional experience, he directs SMI’s sales, product development, and manufacturing, prioritizing efficiency and innovation in mining solutions. Before leading SMI, Ben served as an automation specialist and Field Service Representative, developing expertise in electrical systems and communication. His service as an E-5/EM2 in the U.S. Coast Guard (2003–2007) strengthened his skills in leadership and equipment maintenance, overseeing critical technical operations. Ben earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Thomas Edison State University in 2017. His background in sales, technical operations, and military service shapes his effective leadership at SMI.
Simplified Mine Instruments is led by a family deeply rooted in mining innovation. Together, we drive product development, operations, and support with a focus on reliability, simplicity, and long-term performance underground.
Joe Rankin crafts early ground movement monitors in White Pine, MI, laying the foundation for SMI’s mining safety innovations.
Joe develops roof, floor, and pillar monitors for a deep NY salt mine, tackling critical ground movement challenges.
Instrument production pauses as Joe explores other ventures, but his passion for mining safety endures.
Joe returns to the salt mine, using ground movement data to improve mine design and safety.
Simplified Mine Instruments founded. Joe’s safety tools gain traction across US and Canada mines via word-of-mouth.
Ben Rankin restructures SMI, expanding the family business. The Sag Flag, a key monitoring tool, launches in 2019.
SMI partners with Carroll Technologies Group to distribute SMI instruments across the US, boosting growth.
Adapters for MHL and Sag Flag instruments enable Bluetooth data logger connectivity, modernizing monitoring.
Developing mesh network data loggers to revolutionize real-time mine monitoring and safety.
