The Internet of Things (IoT) enhances safety in mining operations primarily by enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and worker health tracking. IoT sensors and devices track environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, and toxic gas levels (e.g., methane, carbon monoxide) to detect hazards early and alert workers and supervisors, preventing exposure to dangerous situations. Wearable IoT-enabled personal protective equipment (PPE), such as smart helmets, monitor miners’ vital signs and location, improving accident prevention and emergency response capabilities [1], [2], [3].
IoT also supports predictive maintenance of machinery by continuously monitoring equipment variables (vibration, temperature, moisture) to detect anomalies before failures occur, reducing unplanned downtime and the risk of accidents caused by equipment malfunction. Remote monitoring and control of equipment via IoT lower the presence of workers in hazardous zones, thus reducing risk exposure and improving worker safety [2], [4], [5].
Additional safety benefits include IoT-enabled collision avoidance in autonomous vehicles, environmental hazard tracking, gas leakage detection, and improved emergency management through immediate alerts when safety thresholds are crossed.
To sum up, IoT in mining creates a safer work environment by combining real-time environmental and health monitoring, predictive maintenance, automation, and advanced alerting systems that collectively reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities among mine workers.
Reference
[1] “IoT Can Engineer Digital Transformation in Mine Safety.” Accessed: Aug. 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.csm.tech/blog-details/iot-can-engineer-digital-transformation-in-mine-safety
[2] admin, “IoT in Mining: Boost Safety, Efficiency & Monitoring,” Mining Technicians Group – Australia. Accessed: Aug. 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.mtga.com.au/news/integrating-iot-in-mining-better-safety-efficiency-and-monitoring/
[3] “Enhance your mining operations with IoT solutions.” Accessed: Aug. 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://explore.business.bell.ca/learning-resources/enhance-your-mining-operations-iot-solutions
[4] “Benefits Of IoT & AI Applications In Mining Industry.” Accessed: Aug. 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://farmonaut.com/mining/benefits-of-iot-ai-applications-in-mining-industry
[5] “Revolutionizing Mine Safety and Efficiency with IoT Monitoring.” Accessed: Aug. 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.powertransmission.com/revolutionizing-mine-safety-and-efficiency-with-iot-monitoring
