Smart Mining: 5G Transforming Coal Production

Located in western Yuyang District of Yulin City in Shaanxi Province, Dahaize Coal Mine was listed as one of the first batch of national intelligent demonstration construction coal mines in 2020, making it one of the eight newly built (expanded or renovated) intelligent coal mines in China. With support and technological innovations from China Mobile, ZTE, and other partners, Dahaize Coal Mine aimed to integrate 5G and artificial intelligence into its operations, building a world-class mine that embody safety, efficiency, sustainability, and intelligence in the digital era.

In 2020, China National Coal Group Corporation, China Coal Technology & Engineering Group Corporation Limited, China Mobile, China Broadcasting Network, ZTE Corporation, and other parties formed a strategic partnership to drive the digital transformation of Dahezhong Coal Mine.

Safety is paramount in mining, especially given the unpredictable conditions underground influenced by factors such as gas, coal dust, and water. Any of these, if uncontrolled, can trigger accidents and endanger workers. Recognizing these challenges, Dahaize Coal Mine saw the necessity of creating an intelligent mine. Networking serves as the cornerstone for intelligent applications that not only enhance safety but also reduce costs. However, traditional Wi-Fi and 4G networks struggle to support high-definition video-driven intelligent applications in such conditions. Installing fiber optics introduces challenges like managing numerous cables and potential operational losses due to movement. Additionally, the diverse services requiring underground network access pose differentiated demands.

5G 700 MHz + 2.6 GHz Integrated Network Improves Safety for Miners

In response to the complex and ever-changing mining scenarios, ZTE, together with its partners, has pioneered the industry's first integration of 700MHz and 2.6GHz 5G networks. This achievement incorporates a new networking model, the innovative intrinsically safe base station, and a novel cloud-network architecture. These advancements not only ensure high bandwidth but also significantly expand the coverage area, enabling comprehensive control of both surface and underground operations. Now, miners can remotely operate various equipment from the surface and engage in high-definition video calls with the public network underground using just a single card. With an increasing array of intelligent applications, these advancements are greatly enhancing the safety of mining operations.

Enhanced Safety, Efficiency and Intelligence

At Dahaize Coal Mine, 5G technology has enabled 'zero-latency' remote control of equipment, paving the way for a comprehensive mining approach that includes planned coal cutting, video monitoring, and ground-based remote control. Harnessing the power of 5G, AI, and IoT technologies, the mine has introduced intelligent equipment for rapid tunneling and automated takeover robots, significantly reducing labor intensity and accelerating tunnel construction. The intelligent mining rate on the full-face reaches an impressive 80%. For underground operations, unmanned vehicles operate with a control precision of less than 10cm, ensuring precise navigation. Additionally, inspection robots continuously monitor the shaft for deformations and loose bolts during daily descents to guarantee safety. Moreover, a comprehensive three-dimensional visualization model has been implemented for better management. It identifies and alerts workers about any non-standard or non-compliant behaviors, further enhancing safety and efficiency.

Smart Mining Delivers True Value

Stepping into the Dahaize Production Control Command Center reveals the efficient operation of the intelligent coal mining system on the integrated mining face over 600 meters underground. Key information such as the number of workers underground, their locations, and ventilation conditions is transmitted in real-time to the control center via high-definition cameras, enabling autonomous control and cutting. Additionally, the Dahaize Coal Preparation Plant has achieved intelligent coverage from coal storage and transportation to product loading, with an application rate of over 85% and continuous operation 24/7. With the increasing integration of 5G applications and the industry, Dahaize Coal Mine achieves a daily production of 60,000 tons of raw coal with a cost reduction of 12 yuan per ton.

ZTE, together with Dahaize coal of China Coal Group Shaanxi Company, China Coal Technology & Engineering Group, China Coal Information Technology (Beijing), China Mobile and China Broadnet, has been rewarded 2023 GSMA "5G Energy Challenge Award" for their joint efforts in the project of "Dual-frequency 5G Networks for Smarter Coal Mining.