Autonomous Mining Trucks Surge Ahead in Inner Mongolia’s Zakhnuur Coal Operations
Zakhnuur Coal Company has launched 135 extended-range autonomous mining trucks in Inner Mongolia, marking a record for unmanned operations in the region. Operating at speeds of up to 35 km/h, these trucks have notably improved efficiency and reduced operational costs while maintaining zero safety incidents, showcasing a significant shift towards automation in mining.
In a significant advancement for mining technology, Zakhnuur Coal Company, a division of State Power Investment Co, recently welcomed the deployment of 135 extended-range autonomous mining trucks in Inner Mongolia. The delivery, which took place on May 10, marks a notable milestone, being the first project in the region to utilize unmanned mining vehicles with over 100 trucks in operation. This development is poised to revolutionize mining practices in the area.
Zakhnuur plays an essential role as a major energy supplier in northeastern China, boasting an approved coal production capacity of 18 million metric tons and over 120 million cubic meters in earth and rock stripping each year. Located in a challenging high-altitude area, the coal site faces difficult geological conditions characterized by soft and water-saturated rock formations.
To improve safety, operational efficiency, and reduce costs, Zakhnuur has embraced intelligent, unmanned mining technologies. Earlier in 2024, the company allied with three industry leaders, including EACON, to initiate a pilot project featuring 33 autonomous trucks. This project not only showcases cutting-edge technology but also highlights the industry’s shift towards automation in mining.
Following their introduction, the autonomous trucks have made impressive contributions, logging over 770,000 kilometers and managing more than 5.25 million cubic meters of material. These trucks can operate at speeds reaching 35 kilometers per hour, achieving up to 90 percent of the efficiency of human-operated systems. Remarkably, fuel consumption has decreased by 20-30 percent while maintaining a record of zero safety incidents during operation.
The success of these autonomous trucks signals a new era in mining operations in Inner Mongolia, potentially transforming others in the industry to follow suit. Such advancements not only promise increased productivity but also reflect a growing commitment to safety and sustainability in the mining sector.
To summarize, the introduction of 135 autonomous mining trucks by Zakhnuur Coal Company marks a transformative moment for mining practices in Inner Mongolia. This operation enhances efficiency, cuts costs, and maintains a commitment to safety, as evidenced by its impressive performance metrics and the potential for further advancements in automation across the industry.
Original Source: www.chinadaily.com.cn
