The efficiency of the first light mechanized longwall of Uong Bi Coal

In recent times, units of the Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (TKV) in general and Uong Bi Coal Company in particular have continuously researched and invested in innovation of technology, equipment, and production lines to improve productivity and ensure labor safety. In particular, the light-weight synchronized mechanized longwall of Uong Bi Coal is one of the typical projects contributing to the implementation of the policy of promoting mechanization - automation - computerization, and building modern mines of TKV.

Uong Bi Coal Company is currently operating 12 mechanized and semi-mechanized systems and equipment for coal mining and tunneling. These systems help Uong Bi Coal maintain an average output of over 2.5 million tons of raw coal per year. To upgrade technological infrastructure and maximize resources in steep seams, Uong Bi Coal Company has installed and put into operation the first light-weight synchronized mechanized longwall in the West wing, Hong Thai area, Trang Bach mine of Uong Bi Coal Company.

The project was installed and completed on September 15, 2022, with a total investment of over 120 billion VND. The scale of the longwall includes 80 CGH ZY2400/14/32Q support frames, 1 set of SGZ 630/220 scrapers, 1 set of SGB 630/75 scrapers at the DV market foot furnace at level -10, 2 JH-14 winches and other systems such as cutting machines, power stations, fluid pumping stations, dust suppression misting systems, etc. and many other items. This is a longwall furnace that applies light-weight synchronous mechanization technology with a capacity of 250,000 tons of coal/year, which is considered a technological solution suitable for geological conditions and coal seams in the Hong Thai and Trang Bach areas, while helping to improve safety factors, productivity and mining output.

The first light-weight synchronized mechanized furnace of Uong Bi Coal Company. (Photo: Uong Bi Coal Company)

Mr. Nguyen Van Tuyen, Manager of Workshop K12 - the unit that is managing and operating the light-weight synchronized mechanized longwall furnace said that since the furnace was put into operation, the productivity of workers in the workshop has increased 3 times compared to previous production conditions. Currently, the workshop is arranging 60 workers to operate and exploit this furnace. At first, workers had difficulty accessing and operating machinery and equipment, but now they have mastered the coal mining technology of this furnace, achieving an average daily output of 7,500 tons of coal, an increase of 15-20% compared to the old mining technology. On average, each month, the workshop will exploit 24,000-26,000 tons of raw coal, with an almost absolute safety factor.

With the light synchronized mechanized furnace, workers can work in a safe, highly productive environment, thereby ensuring a high and stable income. "Previously, when producing under old conditions, my average income was only 15-18 million VND/month. But since receiving and operating the light synchronized mechanized furnace with a modern system of machinery and equipment, our workers have had a much easier time and have higher incomes. Currently, my average monthly income is 20-24 million VND, the highest and second highest in workshop K12" - worker Dong Van Hung shared.

Uong Bi Coal Company is currently mining at a depth of -150m or more, with complex geological conditions, many seams with large slopes and inclinations. After nearly 1 year of operation, the light mechanized longwall with compact mining equipment and technology, low investment costs, is considered a suitable solution for Uong Bi Coal, helping this mine increase coal mining productivity and improve working conditions for workers.

Mining machine in the light mechanized longwall system of Uong Bi Coal.

"In the context of increasingly deep coal mining areas, to ensure safety, improve working conditions and increase labor productivity, the production areas applying synchronous light mechanization, mechanization and semi-mechanization are major policies that Uong Bi Coal Company is applying. It can be said that mechanization is both the "key" and the driving force for Uong Bi Coal to move one step closer to the model of "Green mine, clean mine, modern mine" under the direction of TKV" - Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, Deputy Director of the Company emphasized.

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