Advancing Mine Safety through Integrated Geophysical Techniques: A Pathway to Sustainable and Risk-Free Mining Practices

Mining plays a critical role in economic development, yet it presents significant safety risks and environmental challenges. Balancing worker safety and environmental preservation while maintaining sustainable practices is a pressing concern for the modern mining industry. This study explores the use of integrated geophysical techniques to enhance mine safety assessments and support sustainable mining operations. By combining methods such as Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), seismic surveys, Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR), magnetic surveys, and gravity surveys, the approach provides a comprehensive and non-invasive understanding of subsurface conditions in active mining areas. The integrated geophysical framework enables real-time monitoring of underground stability, facilitating the detection of hazards such as ground subsidence, roof falls, sinkholes, potholes, and unstable fault zones. These techniques deliver high-resolution data, revealing surface and deep structural instabilities, which allow for proactive risk management and inform strategic decision-making processes. The research demonstrates how continuous geophysical monitoring reduces accident risks, enhances operational efficiency, and ensures long-term sustainability in mining practices. This study further highlights the broader benefits of adopting integrated geophysical methods, emphasizing their role in minimizing environmental impact while improving workplace safety. By integrating advanced geophysical techniques into mining operations, this research establishes a model for ensuring both worker safety and environmental preservation, aligning with global sustainable development goals. The proposed approach bridges the gap between mining safety and sustainability, showcasing the potential of technological innovation to mitigate the inherent risks of mining activities.