Xinjiang's coal mine emerges as a model of smart and green mining

As a major energy supplier, Xinjiang's Shitoumei No 1 Open-Pit Coal Mine, has emerged as a model of intelligent and green mining after deploying smart technologies in coal production.

Located in Hami's Santanghu mining area, the mine has invested 185 million yuan ($25.67 million) in building its smart system. It has integrated six major systems, namely information infrastructure, mine design, intelligent drilling and blasting, mine engineering, intelligent assistance, smart parks.

In collaboration with China Mobile, it has established full 5G coverage across the mine, earning it recognition as one of the region's first 5G-connected factories, said Liu Fuyou, chief engineer of Xinjiang Hami Santanghu Energy Development and Construction Co Ltd.

"The core part of the intelligent system lies in its unmanned operations. Currently, 91 mining trucks operate autonomously. Each unmanned truck carries 70 tons of coal at a time, which is more than the 60 tons of a single train carriage," he said.

The mine plans for full driverless deployment by 2026. It will spare 1,500 drivers from dangerous, tiring work, and ensure safety, Liu added.

It boasts proven reserves of 3.575 billion tons and an annual certified production capacity of 35 million tons, supplying about 8 million tons of high-quality coal to nearby power plant for power generation. The remaining coal is transported to the Hexi Corridor, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan provinces by rail and highways, according to the company.