In the heart of China’s energy sector, a revolution is underway, one that promises to redefine the future of coal mining. The Shendong Coal Group of China Energy Co., Ltd., based in Shenmu, has been at the forefront of this transformation, pioneering technologies that are setting new benchmarks in safety, intelligence, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Their latest research, published in the journal ‘Meitan kexue jishu’ (which translates to ‘Coal Science and Technology’), offers a glimpse into the future of mining, particularly in large-scale operations like the billion-ton mine clusters.
Chuanjiu Zhang, the lead author of the study and a key figure at Shendong Coal Group, explains, “Our goal has been to create a model of modernization for the coal industry, one that balances production with environmental stewardship.” This ambition has led to a decade of relentless innovation, resulting in a suite of technologies that are not only enhancing safety and efficiency but also paving the way for greener mining practices.
One of the standout achievements is the development of safe production technologies tailored for large-scale mining operations. These include advanced peripheral rock control techniques for extra-high comprehensive mining faces, directional drilling hydraulic fracturing to soften hard rock layers, and coal pillar-less mining technologies. These innovations are crucial for ensuring the safe extraction of coal in complex geological conditions, such as close-proximity coal seams and composite areas. Additionally, the mine pressure early warning platform is a game-changer, enabling safe mining under water-rich roof slabs.
The research also highlights significant strides in intelligent and efficient mining technologies. Shendong has developed complete sets of equipment and technology for 8.8 m large-height comprehensive mining faces, double-channel fast-digging technology, and mechanized mining techniques for short-walls and contour-type coal-mining in thin seams. These advancements have significantly boosted digging efficiency. Moreover, the introduction of an intelligent transportation system and the automation of following machines, remote intervention, and intelligent coal cutting (memory coal cutting, predictive coal cutting, and autonomous coal cutting) are setting new standards for intelligent mining.
Zhang emphasizes the importance of these technologies, stating, “Our intelligent mining technologies are not just about automation; they are about creating a seamless, efficient, and safe mining environment. The introduction of the Hongmeng operating system for mines and the construction of a 100-million-ton intelligent production control platform are testament to our commitment to innovation.”
In the realm of green mining, Shendong has constructed an ecological environmental protection and restoration technology system. This includes microbial ecological restoration technology and multi-dimensional waste reuse technology, which have led to the establishment of several national ecological restoration demonstration bases. These efforts ensure that the development of ten million tons of resources is harmonized with environmental protection, a critical factor for the future of the energy sector.
The comprehensive management technologies developed by Shendong integrate quality, safety, health, and environmental protection into a unified system. This advanced management approach plays a pivotal role in the production and operation of large-scale mine clusters, ensuring that all aspects of mining are optimized for efficiency and sustainability.
The research published in ‘Meitan kexue jishu’ is not just a collection of technological advancements; it is a roadmap for the future of the coal industry. As China and other nations grapple with the need for energy security and environmental sustainability, the innovations from Shendong offer a blueprint for large-scale coal bases. The commercial impacts of these technologies are profound, promising to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and minimize environmental footprints.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the research and practice of intelligent-green mining in the billion-ton mine clusters of Shendong Mining Area serve as a beacon of progress. The work of Chuanjiu Zhang and his team at Shendong Coal Group of China Energy Co., Ltd. is a testament to the power of innovation in driving the future of mining, setting a new standard for the industry to follow.