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-11142297 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about making mining safer during emergencies by creating better communication tools, training programs, and safety measures, so miners can confidently escape dangerous situations and work alongside robots when needed.
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) | $500,545 |
| NIH project number | 6U60OH012350-04M001 |
| Project ID | NIH-11142297 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are miners and mine safety personnel who may face emergencies in underground settings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who work in non-mining industries or those not involved in underground operations may not receive benefits 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 includes advancements in underground wireless communication, studying how humans and robots can work together for safe self-escape, and evaluating safety mechanisms for refuge alternatives during explosions. The project also addresses the risks associated with lithium-ion battery electric vehicle fires and aims to train mine safety personnel effectively. By integrating these areas, the research seeks to empower miners with the tools and knowledge needed for safe self-escape.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risks and improve survival rates for miners during emergencies.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been research on mine safety, this approach integrating technology and human factors is relatively novel and untested.
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.