IOT-DRIVEN SMART HELMET: ADVANCING SAFETY AND REAL-TIME MONITORING IN MINING OPERATIONS

Abstract

Mining is one of the most hazardous industries in the world, where workers are regularly exposed to dangerous conditions such as toxic gases, poor visibility, and extreme temperatures. Ensuring the safety of mining personnel is therefore a critical concern, requiring constant monitoring of environmental and physiological factors. This paper proposes the design and implementation of a smart helmet aimed at improving the safety and operational awareness of mining workers in such high-risk underground environments. The helmet integrates multiple sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to provide real-time data on environmental conditions and worker health. At the core of the system is the ESP32 WROOM microcontroller, which handles sensor data processing and wireless communication with a centralized monitoring station or mobile application. A 16x2 I2C LCD displays real-time data to the worker, while a buzzer and LED indicators alert them to hazardous conditions. This smart helmet presents a scalable, IoT-based solution that enhances miner safety and supports the evolution of smarter, more responsive industrial safety systems.