Shanxi speeds up smart coal mines

As China enters a critical phase of ensuring energy supply during the winter, Shanxi, a major coal-producing province, is accelerating the construction of intelligent coal mines to ensure a safe and stable coal supply, and to contribute to achieving China's dual-carbon goals.

Data show that during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), Shanxi's coal production totaled approximately 6.5 billion metric tons, accounting for nearly 30 percent of the national output, providing affordable thermal coal to 24 provincial-level regions across the country.

"Over the past five years, Shanxi has leveraged its coal resources and industrial advantages to comprehensively improve the quality of the coal supply system, accelerating the development of the coal industry toward high-end, intelligent, and green paths," Zhang Xiang, director of Shanxi's provincial energy administration, said at a recent news conference.

As of November, Shanxi had built a total of 369 intelligent coal mines, accounting for more than one-third of the national total.

The province aims to install intelligence system in all coal mines in normal production by 2027.

"Intelligent systems have made coal production more efficient, reduced labor intensity and enhanced safety," said Zhang. "We have established a comprehensive standard system covering the entire process from construction, production to coal washing and management."

The comprehensive application of intelligent mining, unattended chambers, smart coal flow transportation, and unmanned open-pit mining trucks, with 5G enabling safe production, and the gradual replacement of workers in hazardous positions with robots, has significantly reduced the labor intensity for workers and made underground operations safer.

Wang Weiguang, a technician at the Tashan Coal Mine of Jinneng Holding Coal Industry Group in Datong, said that the biggest benefit of using intelligent equipment is the ease and efficiency.

Tashan Coal Mine is one of the first national-level intelligent demonstration coal mines with an annual output of 25 million tons.

Since the start of its intelligent operation in 2020, its production levels have continuously improved.

"As a frontline technician, I greatly enjoy the benefit of the intelligent technologies," said Wang. "In the past, I had to go underground daily to inspect equipment, but now with intelligent inspection robots and remote monitoring systems, I can see the temperature and operating status of underground equipment in real-time from the control room."

East Surface Mine in Shuozhou, a major production mine of China Coal Pingshuo Co Ltd, primarily uses surface mining and has an annual production capacity of 25 million tons.

In 2020, the mine began intelligent construction and was also listed as one of the first national intelligent demonstration coal mines. By 2023, it passed national acceptance, reaching level of a mid-level intelligent demonstration coal mine, achieving green, safe, and efficient unmanned or minimally manned mining.

"After the unmanned transformation, the safety accident rate in the mining area has decreased by more than 50 percent, significantly improving safety," said Gao Feng, manager of the intelligent business department at East Surface Mine.

According to Gao, pure electric mining trucks are now widely used, reducing carbon emissions.

"Furthermore, the pure electric mining trucks are being modified for unmanned driving, which is more mature and easier to operate," he said.

Mao Xiaowen, deputy director of Shanxi's provincial energy administration, said that during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the province's new production capacity increased by 150 million tons per year, with a stable daily output of over 3.5 million tons.

"Currently, intelligent construction is steadily advancing in Shanxi," said Mao.

"Moreover, green mining is accelerating comprehensively in the province," said Mao. "Green mining is an inevitable requirement for the high-quality development of the coal industry.

"We have scientifically selected pilot projects, promoted them steadily according to local conditions and built 75 green mining demonstration coal mines," he said. "Additionally, more than 200 coal mines have explored the application of green mining technologies, initially forming diversified green mining technology routes such as filling mining, water-preserving mining, coal and gas co-mining, and pillarless mining, making coal mining cleaner."

Contact the writers at zhouhuiying@chinadaily.com.cn