Improving safety for miners 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-10831376 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about making mining safer during emergencies by creating better communication tools, exploring how robots can help miners escape, and improving safety measures for refuge areas, while also looking into the risks of electric vehicle fires in mines, and training safety trainers to keep everyone informed and prepared.
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, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $999,455 |
| NIH project number | 5U60OH012350-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10831376 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include miners and mine safety personnel who are directly involved in emergency response situations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in mining operations or do not work in environments where mine emergencies could occur may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the safety of miners during emergencies by developing new technologies and training programs. It aims to improve underground wireless communication, explore human-robot interactions for self-escape, and evaluate safety mechanisms for refuge alternatives in the event of explosions. Additionally, the project will assess the risks associated with lithium-ion battery electric vehicle fires and implement a 'train the trainer' model for mine safety personnel. The collaborative effort involves multiple universities and disciplines to ensure comprehensive solutions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the safety and survival rates of miners during emergencies.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific combination of technologies and training approaches is novel, there have been successful advancements in mine safety and emergency response in related fields.
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.