1
25-003
A Simulation-Based Training Framework for Mine Rescue and
Self-Escape Readiness
Muhammad Azeem Raza
Missouri S&T Rolla, MO
Samuel Frimpong
Missouri S&T, Rolla, MO
ABSTRACT
Underground mining environments are inherently hazard-
ous and can lead to emergencies where effective rescue and
self-escape become critical. Missouri University of Science
and Technology is pioneering new technologies for effec-
tive self-escape. The rescuers and miners need to be trained
in these new technologically driven environments. Previous
research in fields like aviation, medical surgery, and oil and
gas drilling has demonstrated the effectiveness of virtual
simulation training, but the mining sector has yet to fully
adopt advanced tools such as eye-tracking and immersive
training modules. This research proposes a comprehensive
training infrastructure incorporating these technologies to
enhance situational awareness and decision-making during
emergencies. The novelty lies in the application of advanced
miner escape and communication technologies, specifically
designed to monitor and enhance cognitive responses in
high-stress situations. By leveraging these technologies, the
proposed training infrastructure aims to prepare the next
generation of underground miners and operators, by equip-
ping them with the necessary skills to manage emergencies
effectively.
INTRODUCTION
Underground mining environments are among the most
hazardous workplaces, characterized by their inherent
complexity and the challenges posed by operations such as
communication, equipment movement, ventilation, light-
ing, and long transportation distances to safety. Despite
significant technological advancements and stringent safety
measures, mining remains one of the most perilous indus-
tries, with fatal accidents continuing to claim lives world-
wide. The inherently hazardous nature of underground
mining environments demands advanced preparedness for
emergencies, particularly when miners must rely on self-
escape or await rescue under increasingly dire conditions.
The Mine Escape Research, Innovation, and Technology
(MERIT) Center at Missouri University of Science and
Technology (S&T) is at the forefront of developing inno-
vative solutions to enhance miners’ self-escape and rescue
capabilities. Central to this initiative is the training of min-
ers in the use of cutting-edge technologies, ensuring they
are prepared to execute effective self-escape when emergen-
cies strike. Research underscores the importance of situ-
ational awareness and decision-making during self-escape
scenarios, emphasizing that comprehensive training is cru-
cial for improving outcomes in high-risk environments.
In other high-risk industries, such as aviation, medical
surgery, and oil and gas drilling, the adoption of immersive
and technology-driven training methods has revolution-
ized preparedness. These approaches have demonstrated
the effectiveness of tools like simulation-based training
and real-time monitoring to improve situational awareness,
foster rapid decision-making, and enhance overall perfor-
mance. Eye-tracking technology, for instance, has proven
invaluable in distinguishing the behavioral patterns of nov-
ices and experts, enabling targeted training to accelerate
expertise.
Despite its promise, the mining industry has been
slower to adopt these advanced tools, often relying primar-
ily on traditional instruction methods and limited scenario-
based exercises. his research aims to bridge this gap by
developing a miner-specific training infrastructure inspired
by best practices from other sectors.
This paper explores the critical role of situational aware-
ness and decision-making in underground mine emer-
gencies, highlighting the necessity of advanced training
frameworks. It further proposes a simulation-based training
infrastructure designed to equip underground miners with
the skills and confidence to handle emergencies effectively.
25-003
A Simulation-Based Training Framework for Mine Rescue and
Self-Escape Readiness
Muhammad Azeem Raza
Missouri S&T Rolla, MO
Samuel Frimpong
Missouri S&T, Rolla, MO
ABSTRACT
Underground mining environments are inherently hazard-
ous and can lead to emergencies where effective rescue and
self-escape become critical. Missouri University of Science
and Technology is pioneering new technologies for effec-
tive self-escape. The rescuers and miners need to be trained
in these new technologically driven environments. Previous
research in fields like aviation, medical surgery, and oil and
gas drilling has demonstrated the effectiveness of virtual
simulation training, but the mining sector has yet to fully
adopt advanced tools such as eye-tracking and immersive
training modules. This research proposes a comprehensive
training infrastructure incorporating these technologies to
enhance situational awareness and decision-making during
emergencies. The novelty lies in the application of advanced
miner escape and communication technologies, specifically
designed to monitor and enhance cognitive responses in
high-stress situations. By leveraging these technologies, the
proposed training infrastructure aims to prepare the next
generation of underground miners and operators, by equip-
ping them with the necessary skills to manage emergencies
effectively.
INTRODUCTION
Underground mining environments are among the most
hazardous workplaces, characterized by their inherent
complexity and the challenges posed by operations such as
communication, equipment movement, ventilation, light-
ing, and long transportation distances to safety. Despite
significant technological advancements and stringent safety
measures, mining remains one of the most perilous indus-
tries, with fatal accidents continuing to claim lives world-
wide. The inherently hazardous nature of underground
mining environments demands advanced preparedness for
emergencies, particularly when miners must rely on self-
escape or await rescue under increasingly dire conditions.
The Mine Escape Research, Innovation, and Technology
(MERIT) Center at Missouri University of Science and
Technology (S&T) is at the forefront of developing inno-
vative solutions to enhance miners’ self-escape and rescue
capabilities. Central to this initiative is the training of min-
ers in the use of cutting-edge technologies, ensuring they
are prepared to execute effective self-escape when emergen-
cies strike. Research underscores the importance of situ-
ational awareness and decision-making during self-escape
scenarios, emphasizing that comprehensive training is cru-
cial for improving outcomes in high-risk environments.
In other high-risk industries, such as aviation, medical
surgery, and oil and gas drilling, the adoption of immersive
and technology-driven training methods has revolution-
ized preparedness. These approaches have demonstrated
the effectiveness of tools like simulation-based training
and real-time monitoring to improve situational awareness,
foster rapid decision-making, and enhance overall perfor-
mance. Eye-tracking technology, for instance, has proven
invaluable in distinguishing the behavioral patterns of nov-
ices and experts, enabling targeted training to accelerate
expertise.
Despite its promise, the mining industry has been
slower to adopt these advanced tools, often relying primar-
ily on traditional instruction methods and limited scenario-
based exercises. his research aims to bridge this gap by
developing a miner-specific training infrastructure inspired
by best practices from other sectors.
This paper explores the critical role of situational aware-
ness and decision-making in underground mine emer-
gencies, highlighting the necessity of advanced training
frameworks. It further proposes a simulation-based training
infrastructure designed to equip underground miners with
the skills and confidence to handle emergencies effectively.