Development of underground mine monitoring and communication system based on wireless sensor networks.
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Date
2023
Authors
Mazimba, Clement
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
Historically, mining has been an enormous contributor to the development and sustainability of several societies. The industry despite being a source of wealth is not without risks and challenges, including environmental and operational hazards. These pose a huge challenge to the safety and health of the workers and equipment and result in huge losses in terms of human capital, machinery, operational time, and valuable infrastructure. Accidents that occur in mines can be minor or significant depending on the nature of operations, and safety measures that have been put in place. The underground environment is particularly more challenging than an open pit environment due to the need for a controlled environment for mining operations to occur.
Controlling the environment requires constant monitoring of parameters that make it safe for humans and machinery to work effectively and safely. To enhance safety and mitigate risks in
underground mining, this study proposes an integrated, real-time monitoring and communication system that utilizes advanced sensing technologies and robust communication networks based on reliable protocols. The system leverages a wireless sensor network (WSN) strategically deployed and placed across the mine to track and report key environmental parameters. These sensors continuously collect and transmit real-time data using a combination of Internet of Things(IoT) based sensing devices, a designed prediction algorithm for every sensing node detecting a designated anomaly, and secure communication protocols. The transmitted data is processed at the designed gateway, located at the central hub, and further sent to an IoT platform where deviations from optimal conditions are identified, triggering automated alerts and emergency response mechanisms. In this study, temperature and humidity were selected as two of the parameters to be used particularly to demonstrate the sensing and communication capabilities of the WSN. A DHT11 sensor was used and combined with an ESP32 microcontroller unit (MCU), which was programmed in C++, to form a single sensing node. This node was programmed to collect and transmit data to the transceiver that relayed it along with other transceivers at an interval of 10 seconds. The system used two communication protocols, ESPNow, and Long Range (LoRa), to transmit the data from the nodes to the transceiver, and from one transceiver to the next respectively. The combination proved effective in that ESPNow provided immediate and real-time updates in localized areas while LoRa transmitted the data reliably over considerable distances without dropping the data integrity. The results of preliminary simulations indicate that the proposed system significantly improves hazard detection accuracy and reduces response times to potential threats. Compared to traditional monitoring methods, the system enhances situational awareness, leading to a measurable reduction in mining-related accidents and improved operational efficiency. Additionally, real-time alerts— delivered via mobile applications, email notifications, and on-site alarms—enable rapid response, allowing for immediate evacuation and risk containment. The findings underscore the importance of integrating digital safety solutions in underground mining operations. This study contributes to broader efforts in improving mining safety standards, aligning with industry best practices and regulatory requirements. Future research should explore further optimization using artificial intelligence for predictive risk assessment, as well as the scalability of the system to incorporate various types of sensors to get a more holistic view of the operational environment
Description
Thesis of Master’s Degree of Mineral Sciences in Mining Engineering