Modernizing underground coal mining: Safety and efficiency

In the context of increasing energy demand, the coal industry is facing the requirement to ensure output, minimize environmental impact and ensure labor safety. Modernizing mining technology has become an inevitable direction, especially in underground mines, when mining conditions are getting deeper and deeper.

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Mining at depths of up to minus 300 meters, with a design capacity of 2.5 million tons of coal per year, Khe Cham Coal Company - TKV is one of the leading units in modernizing underground mining. Here, the innovation process starts with mechanization, an important step to help reduce manual labor, increase productivity and ensure safety. In mining, the system of large-capacity coal cutting machines combined with synchronous hydraulic support has helped improve the stability of the furnace mirror, reduce the risk of wall collapse and significantly increase productivity.

Supervisory engineer at Production Control Monitoring Center, Khe Cham Coal Company, TKV.

In particular, the operation of the Combai EBH-45 tunneling machine, which can both dig and load at the same time, has shortened the production area opening progress, increasing the average tunnel digging speed to 40-50m per month. Along with that, the water injection drilling technology to reinforce the coal seam helps stabilize the geological layer, reduce dust, reduce vibration, improve the environment and working conditions for miners. Thanks to the synchronization of advanced equipment, labor productivity at Khe Cham Coal Company has increased in recent years, production costs have decreased, and the environment and working conditions have been significantly improved. Miner Doan Trong Thuong, Tunnel Exploitation Site 6 said: Previously, using chain technology, drilling and blasting and manual loading, the productivity reached 6 to 7 tons of coal/1 work. When applying mechanization, the productivity has increased more than 2 times, from 15 to 20 tons/work. On average, in the first 9 months of this year, miners' income reached over 1 million VND/worker.

If mechanization helps reduce manual labor, automation and computerization help manage production more efficiently, accurately and safely, acting as the "brain" of the entire mine.

Notably, the Khe Cham III Mine Automation Monitoring and Control System Project, with a total investment of more than VND 207 billion, will be completed in mid-2025. The system includes more than 170 cameras, 70km of fiber optic cables and signals, forming a closed control network connecting the entire mining area, ventilation, power station and compressed air station.

From the Centralized Operation Center, engineers can monitor and control all operations in the mine in real time – from coal cutting, transportation, water pumping to methane gas warning. All technical parameters are digitized and synchronized on the central data platform, helping operators grasp the mine situation immediately and handle problems in seconds. The project not only helps automate the entire production process, but also opens the era of “smart mines” – where all operations are managed and optimized by digital technology .

The changes at Khe Cham Coal are also typical of the comprehensive modernization strategy that Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (TKV) is implementing at underground coal mines.

Miners of Ha Lam Coal Company, TKV work at the mechanized furnace supporting the support.
synchronous hydraulics.

Throughout the system, TKV has vigorously implemented the “Three Transformations”: Mechanization - Automation - Computerization, considering this as the pillar in the efficient, safe and sustainable production model. Up to now, TKV has put into operation 14 Combai EBH-45 lines, 26 semi-mechanized lines, and nearly 100% of coal transported through inclined shafts is transferred to automatic conveyor belts. About 70% of underground mines in Quang Ninh have automated electrical systems, 60% of pumping stations and fans are remotely monitored, gradually forming the model of “green - clean - few people - high productivity mines”.

TKV is also accelerating the digital transformation process in all areas. 3D geological maps help manage reserves and monitor mining fluctuations; data centers connect all underground mines in the system. Integrated management software for materials, finance, human resources and electronic shift handover platforms are widely deployed, creating a unified operating process. Thanks to that, production data is connected and monitored in real time, helping to optimize efficiency, improve productivity and ensure safety at each stage of operation.

The process of technological innovation is creating a new look for the Vietnamese coal industry, with an increasingly modern, safe and intelligent mining, operation and management system. This is an inevitable journey towards safe, efficient and environmentally friendly production; affirming the pivotal role of the coal industry in ensuring national energy security, while making an important contribution to economic growth and the green and sustainable development goals of Quang Ninh province.

Le Nam

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/hien-dai-hoa-khai-thac-than-ham-lo-an-toan-nang-cao-hieu-qua-3382752.html