Helping underground miners escape safely during emergencies
Official title: Research, Technological Innovations and Human Factors for Effective Miner Self-Escape from Underground Mine Emergencies
Funded at Missouri University of Science & Technology · NIH-11419438 · Data updated 2026-11-12
New tools, training, and safety procedures to help underground miners get out safely during fires, explosions, or other emergencies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Missouri University of Science & Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,500,000 |
| NIH project number | 6U60OH012350-04M002 |
| Project ID | NIH-11419438 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are active underground miners, mine safety personnel, or trained volunteers who can take part in drills, simulations, and human-factors testing at participating sites.
✕Less likely to help
People who do not work underground or who cannot take part in hands-on drills (for medical or geographic reasons) are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
What this research studies
If I work underground, this project will test new wireless communication systems, robots, and rescue procedures using lab tests, mine-site drills, and simulator exercises. Researchers will study how people interact with robots and safety devices, and they will test how refuge chambers and escape routes perform under blast and fire scenarios. The team will also analyze risks from lithium-ion battery vehicle fires and develop best practices to reduce those risks. Finally, experienced trainers will teach mine safety personnel using a "train-the-trainer" model so lessons can be shared across mines.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lower injuries and deaths by improving communication, escape options, and emergency training for miners.
How similar studies have gone: Previous miner-safety training and communication upgrades have improved outcomes, but combining underground wireless systems, human-robot interaction, and battery-fire response is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
Missouri University of Science & Technology
Rolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frimpong, Samuel — Missouri University of Science & Technology
- Study coordinator: Frimpong, Samuel
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.