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

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Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Mining Engineering Department, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, India, and the manager of the underground Mine for permission to set up and conduct experiments at the mine site.

Funding

This research study was supported by the VGST/KSTEPS, DST, Government of Karnataka, India.

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  1. National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathakal, Mangalore, India

    Sandi Kumar Reddy, Anil S. Naik & Govinda Raj Mandela

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  1. Sandi Kumar Reddy
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  2. Anil S. Naik
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Contributions

B. Design and developed a portable LoRa-based system. Conducted experimentation in the field and tested the LoRa-based system in an underground mine. A.C. Guidance to perform experimentation at the field site. All authors reviewed the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Anil S. Naik.

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Reddy, S.K., Naik, A.S. & Mandela, G.R. Development of a Novel Real-Time Environmental Parameters Monitoring System Based on the Internet of Things with LoRa Modules in Underground Mines. Wireless Pers Commun 133, 1517–1546 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11277-023-10827-0

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