Minecraft: What do I take with me when I go mining?

Hi, I'm going a huge mining venture in search of Coal and Iron and I was wondering what to take with me before I go as I've only been playing for a few days and I don't want to die to a Skeleton shooting me when I'm busy, a Zombie getting hungry when it sees me or to a Creeper when I'm near Lava or a needed ore. So what are the best things to take with me as I'm not leaving the mine for many in game days?

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