China Uses 5G and 'Virtual Mines' for More Efficient, Safer Coal Mining
China is turning to technology to increase the efficiency and output of its coal mines while also improving safety by sending fewer people underground.
As Reuters reports(Opens in a new window), state-owned Shaanxi Coal Group has installed 5G technology provided by Huawei at its Hongliulin mine in Shenmu. By doing so, Shaanxi was able to create air-conditioned "virtual mines" that sit above ground where workers can remotely control the machines below ground mining the coal.
This so-called "smart mining" has reduced the number of workers going underground by 18% at Hongliulin. The Xiaobaodang mine, which is also operated by Shaanxi Coal Group, managed to cut underground workers by 42% after a similar smart mining upgrade. The ultimate goal, according to Shi Chao, director of the intelligence department at the Hongliulin mine, is "no person working underground."
Other mines in China are being encouraged to start using smart mining technology, not only to improve safety, but also to increase coal output. Mining companies will be encouraged to do so because there are significant cost savings to be had once a smart mining operation is established. Smart mining systems installed at Dahaize mine by China Mobile and ZTE reduced mining costs by $1.84 per tonne, but also cut labour costs by $2.89 million.
China currently produces more than half the world's coal, but only 14% of that output is achieved using smart mining technology. If automation was introduced to all of China's mining operations, the smart mining market would be worth around $43 billion according to Xinda Securities.
Sign up for What's New Now to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every morning.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate
Read more on pcmag.com
