It is understood that the Mining Engineering Research and Design Institute represents the national standard in the research and development of safe, efficient, and clean mining technologies. Moreover, intelligent mining technologies, equipment, and engineering applications have become the institute’s primary research focus.

“ Currently, the mining industry—both domestically and internationally—is entering a golden age of rapid development in intelligent operations. ” Zhang Da, deputy director of the Mining Engineering Research and Design Institute at the Beijing General Research Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, made the above remarks recently in an interview with a reporter. It is understood that the Mining Engineering Research and Design Institute represents the national standard in the research and development of safe, efficient, and clean mining technologies. Moreover, intelligent mining technologies, equipment, and engineering applications have become the institute’s primary research focus.

　 　Reporter: Under what circumstances did intelligent mining technology develop? What is the significance of its development?

　　 Zhang Da As global demand for mineral resources increases, , The influx of high-yield, high-efficiency, high-quality, and low-cost mineral products from international markets, coupled with the exploitation of unconventional and resource-intensive minerals domestically, has intensified competition among mining enterprises in terms of resources, management, and markets. This compels mining companies to undergo fundamental transformations in areas such as resource utilization, environmental protection, mining processes, technological equipment, and safety management in order to meet the current severe challenges.

　　In China, underground mining is the predominant method for metal mines, and many mines are gradually shifting from shallow to deep-level extraction. Due to differences in resource endowment conditions, mining technologies, production processes, and equipment used in underground metal mines—as well as the inherent uncertainty and dynamism of resources, the discrete nature of work environments, the mobility of productivity factors, and the high-risk nature of the production environment—numerous challenges have emerged. These challenges have led to low production efficiency and frequent accidents in mining enterprises. Under these circumstances, it has become particularly important to carry out research on intelligent mining technologies for underground metal mines, with the goals of enhancing safety, improving efficiency, and achieving economic viability, thereby strengthening China’s technological capabilities in the mining sector.

　　Intelligent mining refers to a mining approach centered on intelligent and automated mining equipment, supported by a high-speed, high-capacity, bidirectional integrated digital communication network, and underpinned by an intelligent design and production management software system. By conducting real-time, dynamic, and intelligent monitoring and control of mining production objects and processes, this approach aims to maximize the safety, efficiency, and economic benefits of mining operations.

　　The intelligent mining technology for mines is an organic whole formed by a series of interdependent and interconnected functional modules that are integrated through real-time data streams. Its core functions include mine production planning, operation of mine production systems, monitoring of mine operational status, and intelligentization of underground mining equipment.

The significance of intelligent mining lies primarily in leveraging advanced, cutting-edge technologies to upgrade traditional industries, thereby driving China’s mineral resource development toward greater efficiency, safety, environmental sustainability, and long-term viability, and enhancing the core competitiveness of China’s mining sector. Intelligent mining technologies for mines also play a crucial role in revitalizing the nonferrous metals and iron and steel metallurgy industries.

　　 Reporter: What stages has foreign intelligent mining technology gone through?

　　 Zhang Da The application and development of modern information technology have made automated or intelligent mining in mines a reality. From the last century... 90 Starting from that era, countries such as Finland, Canada, and Sweden have successively formulated [measures] to gain a competitive edge in the mining industry. “ Smart Mine ” and “ Unmanned mine ” Development plan.

　　Finland has proposed a research program on smart mining technologies. (IM) , by the Finnish Technical Development Centre ( TEKES ) led by, and jointly completed by Outotec Mining Services, Tampere Rock Drilling Equipment Company and Loading Machine Company, NorMet Oy, Lokomo Oy, and the Rock Mechanics Research Institute of Helsinki University of Technology, from 1992 year to 1997 Calendar year 5 year. The plan is divided into a total of 28 A research project, budget 1200 Tens of thousands of U.S. dollars have been invested in research across three key areas—real-time management of resources and production, equipment automation, and automated production maintenance—to initially establish an intelligent mining technology system, thereby enhancing the production efficiency and economic benefits of both open-pit and underground mines.

　　Building on this foundation, Finland further proposed a research and development technical plan for the implementation of smart mines. IMI ), from 1997 Starting from the year, lasting for 3 In the year, by implementing advanced technologies, we developed mechanical equipment and systems and conducted pilot tests at Outokumpu’s Kemi underground mine. This initiative boosted the mine’s labor productivity, reduced production costs, and improved working conditions.

　　In addition, Canada has completed the feasibility study and begun implementing its mining automation project. MAP ) Five-year plan, budget nearing 2000 tens of thousands of U.S. dollars, undertaken by companies including Canadian International Nickel Ltd., Eagle Bridge Nickel Mines Ltd., and the Canadian Centre for Automation and Robotics, among others. The project builds upon the underground high-frequency broadband communication system developed by International Nickel Company, focusing on the R&D of core technologies such as remote-control operation, autonomous operation, and self-adjusting systems. The ore-body delineation robotic device is connected via the communication system to an intelligent geological model; the mining process itself is initiated by constructing a model based on the results of ore-body delineation. The automated engineering model directly provides information to the remotely operated equipment performing the work, while the remote equipment’s data is simultaneously fed back into the mine model and influences the production process. The device that enables these functions is the mining robot controller—a computing unit that serves both as an interface connecting monitoring sensors with local remote-control actuators and as an RF modulator-demodulator. On the other hand, essential auxiliary systems for mining have been established, including ventilation, pumping, strata control, power distribution, mine drainage, compressed air supply, and process water systems. In these auxiliary systems, sensors deployed on-site transmit data through control units linked to the communication system to a central control computer. This computer processes the data according to the established model and sends signals to remote-control actuators at various levels to carry out adjustments. Through the research and development described above, Canada has positioned itself as an international leader in mining automation technology, maintaining its competitive edge in the mining industry and establishing a new pillar technology industry. Canada has also formulated a plan to— 2050 The long-term vision for the coming year is to build an unmanned mine in Canada’s remote northern regions, where all mining equipment will be remotely controlled via satellite, enabling mechanical crushing and automated mining operations.

　　Canadian International Nickel Company has developed an underground communication system based on a technology that combines cable television and radio transmission technologies, and it has been deployed in Stobie. Stobie ) Mining trial. This powerful broadband network, combined with radio units at various levels of the mine, can transmit multi-channel video signals and control each piece of equipment. In addition to the automation already achieved in fixed equipment, loaders, rock-drilling rigs, and underground vehicles have all been converted to unmanned operation. Workers remotely control these machines from the surface, meaning that virtually no personnel need to be stationed underground anymore.

　　Meanwhile, other countries are also simultaneously pursuing strategies for mining automation and intelligence. Sweden has accordingly developed a strategic plan aimed at significantly enhancing the level of mining automation. Australia... Micromine The company has developed, for mining applications, a solution based on... Web Online remote mining control system PITRAM Achieve reduced mining costs. 10% . Pennsylvania, United States Rajant The company has developed a highly resilient, broadband wireless mesh network for mobile targets operating in harsh environments, enabling reliable and rapid access for moving objects.

Near 10 In recent years, several internationally renowned mining equipment companies—including Sweden’s Sandvik and Atlas Copco—have been vigorously developing intelligent mining equipment and related technologies. These companies have not only introduced a wide range of mining equipment featuring advanced automation and intelligence capabilities but have also developed various technological and equipment systems for smart mines, such as: AotoMine System, OptiMine System and MineLan By leveraging these technologies, these companies are gradually transitioning from being mere equipment suppliers to technology solution providers.

　　 Reporter: Could you please talk about the current status of China’s intelligent mining technology development and the existing challenges?

　　 Zhang Da : Western developed countries from the last century 90 Research on intelligent mining technologies began as early as the previous century; in comparison, China’s related technological research has lagged behind for a long time. However, we should also recognize that, thanks to the rapid development of high-tech fields—particularly network and information technology—China has now established a strong foundation in information technology. As a result, the gap between China and other countries in this area is not significant, and at least it is far greater than the technological level China had reached in those earlier years. Therefore, China is starting its research on intelligent mining technologies from an entirely new vantage point, and it is entirely possible for China to reach or even surpass the international advanced level within a relatively short period of time.

　　In recent years, with the development of China’s socio-economy and the recovery of the mining industry, many high-tech applications related to intelligent mining have made significant progress. For example, our institute has developed... BLSS-PE Mine-use 3D laser scanners, high-bandwidth wireless communication systems for mines, and intelligent dispatching and control systems for mines can provide technological support for smart mining. In China, the informationization efforts related to the six major mine systems have largely resulted in the establishment of underground fiber-optic backbone communication networks. Video monitoring, environmental monitoring, and automated control have already been implemented in some large- and medium-sized mines. Remotely operated loaders—primarily equipped with imported devices—have seen extensive adoption. Moreover, advanced personnel and equipment positioning systems, as well as underground ground pressure hazard monitoring systems, have begun to be deployed. Additionally, cutting-edge mining software, such as those from overseas, is being utilized. DataMine 、 Surpac And domestic Morning 、3Dmine These have also been widely promoted and applied. The state has initiated and carried out a number of key or specialized scientific and technological research projects related to intelligent mining, such as: “ Key Technologies and Software Development for Digital Mining ”、 “ Research on High-Precision Positioning Technology for Underground Unmanned Mining Equipment and Modeling Technology for Intelligent Unmanned Loader-Excavators ”、 “ Development of Key Technologies and Equipment for Remote Control in Underground (Unmanned Mining) Operations ”、 “ Technology and Equipment for Monitoring Ground Pressure and High-Temperature Hazards in Kilometer-Deep Wells ” All these projects have laid a solid foundation.

　　Currently, the main challenges facing China’s intelligent development are: the relatively backward technological level of domestic mining equipment, especially in terms of automation and informationization, which still fails to meet the requirements for intelligent mining; the lack of proprietary technologies and software platforms—such as integrated underground communication and positioning/navigation systems—that can support intelligent mining; and the fragmented nature of research efforts in related technologies, which has prevented the formation of strong, cohesive R&D teams.

Research on intelligent mining technology is a massive systems engineering endeavor. Based on foreign experience, such projects are typically funded by the national government, which establishes special funds and brings together multiple research institutions and related enterprises to collaboratively tackle key challenges, after which individual enterprises further refine and perfect the technologies.

　 　Reporter: What are the development trends in intelligent mining technology?

　　 Zhang Da: The overall global trend in underground intelligent mining is the networking of broadband communication systems underground, real-time data acquisition underground, automation of underground production equipment, and informationization of underground production management. This approach aims to achieve large-scale, intelligent, and automated integrated scheduling and production management in mines, thereby realizing economic, safe, and efficient operational goals.

The overall development trend of intelligent mining technology is mainly characterized by the following: 10 Key features include: First, a three-dimensional visualization system for surface mine environments, ore deposits, and engineering infrastructure models; second, an effective information system for production and operational management, covering mine planning, mining schemes, production scheduling, statistical dispatching, production monitoring, geodetic surveying management, and business administration, and forming an enterprise local area network; third, a network architecture enabling simultaneous transmission of video and data over the same network, with a multimedia communication network primarily based on fiber-optic or radio communications, thus facilitating distributed sharing of mine data; fourth, automated data acquisition and processing for mine production processes, leveraging sensor network technology to achieve real-time monitoring and automatic data collection and visualization of production processes, mine safety, and equipment operation; fifth, centralized control of mine production systems, using intelligent control systems to enable centralized remote control of hoisting, transportation, ventilation, drainage, and other operations; sixth, the use of computer software systems to digitize, model, and visualize mine resources, design optimization, production planning, and mining environmental conditions; seventh, an integrated design and process monitoring system for mining blasting based on a digital mine platform; eighth, the application of multimedia, simulation, emulation, and virtual technologies to recreate the overall mine environment and production activities, including scheduling, process monitoring, and disaster early warning; ninth, through real-time, dynamic information integration across the entire production process, achieving centralized control of key mining equipment or implementing programmed, unmanned operations; tenth, the adoption of intelligent mining equipment with automatic positioning and navigation systems, enabling remote operation of the entire production process—from individual work stages to the entire system.

　　Reporter: In the area of intelligent mining, what key research has the Beijing Research Institute of Mining and Metallurgy primarily conducted?

　　 Zhang Da: Our institute is among the first in China to conduct research on intelligent mining technologies for underground metal mines. “ The 12th Five-Year Plan ” During this period, our hospital took the lead in launching the national... “863” Thematic Project “ Intelligent Mining Technology for Underground Metal Mines ” The research, tailored to the specific characteristics of underground metal mines, employs technological approaches such as information acquisition, a high-frequency broadband real-time communication network for underground operations, underground positioning technology, and scheduling and control systems. The primary control object is the underground loading, hauling, drilling, and blasting equipment. By implementing multi-level, online, real-time scheduling and control, the project aims to optimize the mine production process and develop an intelligent mining platform for underground metal mines that is both industry-specific and universally applicable, thereby laying a solid foundation for efficient, safe, environmentally friendly, and sustainable extraction of underground metal ores. The project’s task design takes into account both the goal of addressing key technological challenges in intelligent mining of underground metal mines and the feasibility of achieving these objectives within limited financial resources and time constraints.

　　After multiple rounds of discussion and validation by experts, the project has finally been designed to focus on a range of typical and urgent applications, including intelligent underground equipment, pervasive information collection and high-frequency broadband communication, a highly realistic 3D visualization platform for mines, and intelligent navigation, scheduling, and control systems built upon this platform. Specifically, the project will concentrate on the following areas: the development of an intelligent medium-to-deep-hole full-hydraulic drilling rig; an underground high-pressure intelligent down-the-hole drill; an underground intelligent loader; an underground intelligent mining truck; research into intelligent, refined mining blasting technologies and equipment for underground metal mines; a pervasive information collection and communication system for intelligent mining; supporting software for intelligent mining; and an intelligent scheduling and control system, as well as precise positioning and intelligent navigation for underground equipment. 8 A research and development task.

　　Currently, the project’s research findings are undergoing on-site industrial trials at mines across China, and related results have already begun to be promoted and applied in domestic mines. It should be recognized that in the near future, China’s mining industry will leverage... “ Deep integration of the two transformations ” The trend is to progressively accelerate the shift from mechanization, informatization, digitalization, and automation toward intelligent development, thereby building China into a global leader in smart mining.