A coal mine in China achieved great profits when using AI robots, 5G, drones and automatic trucks in production.
Coal cutting machine at coal mine. Image: MSN
On the royal highlands in Shaanxi province of China, the coal mining has long been synonymous with heavy labor and dangerous conditions, the DAHAIZE mine is changing the mining industry. The huge coal mine was operated by the Chinese National Coal Group, developing even during the coal price decreasing and reaching a net profit margin of up to 40% by 2024, according to MSN.
The success of the dahaze mine is the result of betting on the automation revolution that is so daring and technically challenging that the skeptical people have thought that this is an impossible plan, according to Liang YunFeng, the CEO of the Mining and the person who directs the reform. With artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G network present almost anywhere, Daimize is the smartest coal mine ever built, according to the Chinese National Coal Association.
Spread over 266 km2 with a reserve of 3.2 billion tons of coal, Daimize far beyond underground coal mines with an annual output of 20 million tons. Since the production process began in 2023, 980 workers managed the 5G -connected robot team, the automatic tunneling system and AI algorithm helping to coordinate almost everything, from coal mining to cargo cars. Each worker currently produces annual production worth nearly one million USD, according to Liang.
At a depth of 640 m underground, the cutting machine is instructed by the instructions to use the inertial navigation technology and the laser to scan the ground to shave the coal seams with the accuracy of the millimeter, adjust the cutting line in real time to avoid the water in the low -lying place. The drone checks the tunnel to sweep the mine every 8 minutes, the work that humans may need hours, while the robot arm is in charge of repairing pipes and many other functions. Automatic truck, led by underground positioning system, runs through dusty tunnels to transport coal to coal recruiting factory, where workers can handle 1,100 tons of coal every day.
Even when China’s coal price fell 18% in 2024, the profit of the Daime mine still reached US $ 1.25 billion. Combined with the research and development allowance from the Government, the model of DAHAIZE has turned this coal into a profitable machine, Liang shared.
Not only for coal, the AI revolution of China is making many imprints on the production of steel, chemicals and almost all other large industries. However, the conversion process is not easy. Even in DAHAIZE, the Management Board faced opposition from workers, many people were not ready for anyone to supervise. But now, workers have changed their minds. “Smart operation not only helps the work become safer, less effort and productivity but also changes the entire system,” Liang said.