The current environmental issues in China’s metal mines are prominent. Commonly used protectivemasks in mines primarily focus on the filtration performance against particulate matter. However, in the complex envi⁃ronment of underground metal mines, these masks often fail to provide efficient and reliable protection, thereby increasingthe risk of occupational diseases among workers. Based on the complex conditions of underground metal mines, 3 majorfactors were investigated: dust, harmful gases, and microorganisms. The advantages and disadvantages of commonly usedmasks during mining were compared, with emphasis placed on existing filter materials and their preparation methods.Against the backdrop of growing emphasis on mitigating hazards to mine environments and preventing respiratoryoccupational diseases, future development trends and research directions for filter materials suitable for protectivemasks in underground metal mines were proposed. This research provides a reference for the development of dustprevention equipment in underground metal mines.