China Academy of Engineering academician and chief scientist of China Coal Technology & Engineering Group, Wang Guofa, recently stated that while significant progress has been made in the intelligent construction of coal mines in China, with several replicable experiences developed, there are still seven common issues to address for further advancement.
China Academy of Engineering academician and chief scientist of China Coal Technology & Engineering Group, Wang Guofa, recently stated that while significant progress has been made in the intelligent construction of coal mines in China, with several replicable experiences developed, there are still seven common issues to address for further advancement.
The evolution from initial blasting mining to conventional mechanized extraction, then comprehensive mechanization, and now intelligent mining marks a new transformative phase in China's coal extraction methods. In February 2020, eight departments including the National Development and Reform Commission jointly issued the "Guiding Opinions on Accelerating Intelligent Development of Coal Mines," effectively pressing the "fast forward" button on this initiative.
Significant Achievements in Intelligent Construction
According to Wang Guofa, the intelligentization of coal mines represents a transformation in coal production methods and a reconstruction of value systems driven by new-generation information technology. This advancement promotes high-quality development characterized by safety, efficiency, greenness, and intelligence within the coal industry.
Data from the National Energy Administration shows that as of late April this year, 1,922 intelligent mining faces and 2,154 intelligent tunneling faces have been established nationwide. The total investment in coal mine intelligent construction has reached 108 billion yuan.
Wang noted that China's coal mine intelligent construction is mutually reinforcing with technological innovation. Advanced technologies such as high-reliability integrated communication systems, industrial internet platforms, and comprehensive smart management platforms are widely applied. Systems for power supply and distribution, main coal transportation, and water supply/drainage now operate routinely without personnel on-site. Progress has also been made in smart mining systems, auxiliary transport systems for intelligence gathering, robotic applications in mines, and autonomous driving systems for open-pit mining. The level of domestication and integration of intelligent equipment has significantly improved; initial models suitable for various coal seam conditions have emerged—resulting in reduced manpower needs while enhancing safety and efficiency.
Technical Challenges Persist During Critical Phase
Wang Guofa noted that energy security and intelligent mining face new demands amid changing conditions. Conflicts remain regarding understanding during significant technological shifts. The digital ecosystem for smart mines remains fragile with gaps in technical equipment and industrial chains. Issues include inefficiencies in intelligence application, uneven development, standardization of digital communications versus market fairness concerns, stringent environmental regulations, lack of high-end talent, along with various policy-related challenges—these constitute barriers for intelligent construction.
Given the current state of affairs, Wang identified seven key issues needing resolution for coal mine intelligent construction: 1) Accelerating the development of a digital ecosystem for smart mines; 2) Achieving efficient extraction from thin coal seams; 3) Ensuring safe extraction from complex seams impacted by rock bursts; 4) Enhancing quality levels in intelligent construction; 5) Improving safety assurances through technology; 6) Advancing large-scale operations within open-pit mining towards greater intelligence; 7) Adapting practices according to low-carbon mandates.
Essential Path for the Development of the Coal Industry
Wang Guofa believes that the new round of intelligent transformation in coal mining is essential for the development of the coal industry in this new era. The foremost requirement is a unified understanding within the industry to create intrinsic motivation.
"Intelligent mining is an iterative process, not a one-time project; it's a complex system engineering task," Wang stated. It is necessary to build a digital ecosystem covering the entire lifecycle, industrial chain, and all elements of mining. This involves connecting intelligent mine construction with comprehensive digital transformation across industries, forming a data-driven model for flexible production and supply operations.
In promoting high-quality and advanced intelligent construction in coal mines, Wang Guofa emphasized the need to overcome common key technologies for underground intelligence, achieve coordinated development, enhance multi-system coupling reliability, and establish a modular, systematic, and standardized intelligent system model. He advocated for the integration of system intelligence with human wisdom in building a smart ecological environment.
For efficient unmanned mining in thin coal seams, innovative overall solutions should be developed along with key equipment and technology applications, transitioning from "visual remote intervention" to "intelligent adaptive modes." In large-scale and intelligent open-pit mining construction, it is essential to expand the application range of semi-continuous and continuous intelligent mining processes while addressing the five mismatches between traditional designs and driverless truck operations.
"The direction of coal mine intelligent construction is towards high-end industrialization, greening, and intelligence. The fundamental goal is to reduce personnel while increasing safety and efficiency—creating value for enterprises and welfare for miners. We aim to transform traditional coal production methods so that workers can dress as professionals like those in IT industries; this is both their dream and one of our goals for intelligent construction. Technologically speaking, we must continuously improve the intelligent technology system to minimize frontline laborers' numbers while liberating them from heavy-duty hazardous tasks. Additionally, we will support green mining through intelligence by addressing issues related to low efficiency and poor benefits in green extraction practices—making coal development more efficient and environmentally friendly," said Wang Guofa.