"🛡️ MineGuard: A LoRa-Enabled Smart Helmet for Underground Worker Safety
"

Mining environments are extremely hazardous due to the presence of toxic gases, high temperatures, and humidity. Workers often remain unaware of these dangerous conditions until it’s too late. This project presents an innovative Smart Mining Helmet designed to ensure the safety of miners by continuously monitoring environmental parameters and wirelessly transmitting data to a ground-based monitoring unit.

The smart helmet is equipped with a gas sensor (MQ series) to detect harmful gases, a DHT11 sensor to monitor temperature and humidity, and a LoRa transceiver module for long-range wireless communication. The helmet is powered by a rechargeable 18650 lithium battery with an inbuilt charging module (TP4056), making it portable and efficient for use in underground mining operations.

The helmet-mounted sensors collect real-time data, which is transmitted via LoRa to a receiver module located at the monitoring station or control room. The receiver system includes another LoRa module, an I2C-based 16x2 LCD to display real-time temperature, humidity, and gas readings, and a buzzer that triggers an alert if any of the parameters exceed pre-set safe limits.

This project helps prevent accidents by alerting ground staff immediately when gas levels become dangerous or when temperatures rise beyond safe working conditions. This early warning system can significantly reduce the chances of health hazards, explosions, or fatalities in mining operations.

🧾 Key Features:
Real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity, and gas concentration

Wireless data transmission using LoRa (long-range and low-power)

Visual display of parameters at the ground station

Audible buzzer alert on crossing safety thresholds

Portable and rechargeable helmet unit

Lightweight, easy-to-wear design for miners