Wedoany.com Report on Feb 28th, At the Linhua Coal Mine in Guizhou, China, workers press the start button on a computer in the ground-based centralized control center. Hundreds of meters underground, intelligent mining equipment swiftly springs into action, efficiently extracting coal resources. The Linhua Coal Mine is a typical example of intelligent transformation in Guizhou's coal mines. In recent years, the province has applied technologies such as 5G and artificial intelligence to drive the transition of coal mining from traditional methods to intelligent extraction.
Stepping into the production safety dispatch center of Linhua Coal Mine, Linhua Mining Co., Ltd. in Guizhou, a massive curved screen and computers display equipment data and surveillance footage in real-time, making conditions underground clearly visible. Young employees Fan Meijie and Wang Chengcheng can start equipment like shearers and belt conveyors from the control room via computers. Fan Meijie said, "Initially, I thought working at a coal mine would definitely involve going underground, but after starting the job, I found the environment is vastly different now." The company's Executive Director, Zhang Xibing, stated, "Working in a coal mine can also be a 'white-collar' job!" In 2025, building upon existing mechanization, the company further initiated intelligent construction, with intelligent shearers put into use in October.
Similar transformations are underway at the Qinglong Coal Mine operated by Guizhou Qianxi Energy Development Co., Ltd. In 2017, the mine completed the intelligent transformation of auxiliary systems such as ventilation and drainage. Now, equipment parameters and video feeds can be transmitted back to the dispatch center in real-time. Deputy General Manager Yan Qihong pointed out, "Previously, production tasks were relayed verbally by team leaders, but now real-time dispatch from the surface is possible." Through smart miner's lamps, personnel positioning and real-time communication are achieved, making dispatch more convenient. Currently, Guizhou has built 61 intelligent coal mines and 155 intelligent mining and tunneling faces.
Intelligent technology has promoted cost reduction and efficiency improvement in coal mines. Zhang Xibing mentioned that initially, the intelligent shearer was less efficient than manual operation. However, after several months of operation, it can now extract nearly 3,000 tons of coal per shift, with reduced manpower and increased efficiency. At the Qinglong Coal Mine, intelligent shearers and roadheaders have been applied. He Sen, Deputy Chief Engineer of Guizhou Ansheng Energy Co., Ltd., said, "The intelligent shearer can move supports and perform automatic roof support on its own, reducing work intensity and improving efficiency." Yan Qihong emphasized, "For coal mines, safety is the 'biggest cost reduction and efficiency improvement'." Automatic sensor monitoring and unmanned operation have enhanced safety levels.
A relevant official from the Guizhou Provincial Energy Bureau stated that Guizhou's coal mines face challenges such as numerous hazards and complex geological conditions. Therefore, the province is promoting intelligence by adapting to local conditions and tackling easier tasks first. The transformation is divided into two phases: from 2017 to 2020, achieving "two 100%" goals for mechanized mining and intelligent auxiliary systems; since 2021, gradually building intelligent mines. Zhang Xibing believes, "Advancing the intelligent construction of coal mines is imperative." To address talent shortages and technical challenges, Guizhou is collaborating with universities to cultivate talent and has issued technical task lists to organize攻关 (research and development efforts). The province has also issued relevant documents to guide enterprises in promoting intelligence. In the next step, Guizhou will continue to deepen the intelligent development of coal mines, striving to build 100 intelligent coal mines by 2030.
