Development of a Novel Real-Time Environmental Parameters Monitoring System Based on the Internet of Things with LoRa Modules in Underground Mines

The mining industry relies on extracting valuable minerals through underground mining. Many industries have implemented automation to enhance workplace safety, optimize operations, improve responses to events, and achieve cost-effectiveness. A real-time communication and monitoring system is indispensable in underground mines to prevent significant hazards and improve safety in underground mines. However, the environmental conditions of underground mines are affected by toxic, flammable, combustible gases and dust. The harmful gases are a significant concern as they can cause gas explosions. Internet of Things (IoT) enabled real-time communication system with Long Range (LoRa) transceiver module is designed and developed to measure the underground mine environmental parameters, temperature, and humidity. The LoRa-based proof of concept (POC) system is tested and evaluated at the surface level and in two underground mines. The LoRa module radio waves range test is carried out to measure the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value at the surface level. In addition, the developed system is tested and evaluated at different positions of underground mines to measure environmental parameters in straight and curved tunnels. The experimental results represent successful IoT with LoRa-based wireless communication between underground mine tunnels to the surface, wireless transmission of parameters at the straight tunnels, and curved tunnels of underground mines.