Wireless Sensor-Enabled Protective Jacket for Coal Mine Workers

This paper addresses critical safety deficiencies in modern mining operations by proposing a Wireless Sensor-Enabled (WSE) Mining Jacket utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) technology for personal, real-time miner protection. The jacket integrates sensors for real-time environmental monitoring, detecting harmful gases and hazardous substances. Critically, it identifies abnormal vibrations and seismic activity, mitigating the risk of severe injury from unanticipated ground events like landslides or mining-induced instability. Constructed around the ESP32 microcontroller for native Wi-Fi connectivity, the prototype uses ultrasonic and radio frequency (RF) sensors for communication and includes a GPS tracker. Each unit has a unique digital registration code, linking vital user details to the jacket for immediate and accurate emergency location tracking. This comprehensive, interconnected solution offers a substantial step forward in proactive miner safety.