Mechanized coal mine: A technological breakthrough for Hon Gai Coal Mine.

Recently, at the Thanh Cong Production Operations Center, Comrade Le Trung Toan, Secretary of the Party Committee and Director of Hon Gai Coal Company (Vietnam Coal and Mineral Industry Group - TKV), issued the order to operate the BM 5-1 light mechanized longwall mining system in Seam 5 of Thanh Cong.

BM 5-1 Light Mechanized Longwall Mining, Seam 5, Thanh Cong (Hon Gai Coal Company).

The mechanized longwall mining system was put into operation, coinciding with the 71st anniversary of the takeover and development of Hon Gai Coal Mine (May 15, 1955 - May 15, 2026), marking a new and proud milestone for the miners of Hon Gai. This is also the first mechanized longwall mining system of Hon Gai Coal Mine to be put into production, signifying a breakthrough in underground coal mining technology.

According to Mr. Le Trung Toan, Director of the company, in implementing Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation, and national digital transformation; and in line with the "3-fold transformation" strategy of the Vietnam Coal and Mineral Industry Group, which includes mechanization, automation, and informatization, Hon Gai Coal Mine has chosen to invest in light-duty mechanized longwall mining, replacing commonly applied technologies such as chain-linked mobile hydraulic supports, ZH 1600/16/24F segmented frame supports, etc., in order to modernize production, increase labor productivity, reduce manpower, and improve working conditions in underground mines.

Mr. Le Trung Toan, Director of Hon Gai Coal Mine, gave a speech.

“During the 2020-2025 period, the Vietnam Coal and Mineral Industry Group has extensively implemented the 'Three-pronged Mechanization' strategy at its units, contributing to increasing the mechanization rate in production stages. When the BM 5-1 mechanized longwall mining system comes into operation, it is expected to make a positive contribution to the overall output of the entire company, and in the near future, more mechanized longwall mining systems will be added to suit the company's actual production conditions,” emphasized Le Trung Toan, the company's director.

During the period 2020-2025, the Vietnam Coal and Mineral Industry Group (TKV) invested in 7 light-duty mechanized mining lines at the Mong Duong, Ha Long, Uong Bi, Duong Huy, Khe Cham, Nam Mau, and Nui Beo coal mines. By the end of 2025, TKV will have 14 fully mechanized longwall mining lines, with an expected output of 4.5 million tons, accounting for 16% of the total underground coal production.

For the 7 light-mechanized mining lines, the Vietnam Coal and Mineral Industry Group has preliminarily identified reserves of approximately 9 million tons at the following units: Vang Danh, Nam Mau, Mao Khe, Uong Bi, Thong Nhat, Quang Hanh, and Mong Duong. These figures demonstrate potential and represent a breakthrough step, laying the foundation for the 2026-2030 target of increasing the proportion of mechanized coal mining to 25-30% of the total underground coal production.

Unlike medium or heavy-duty mechanized production lines, which require thick, stable seams and large reserves, light-duty mechanization is designed with smaller equipment size and weight, making it more flexible and suitable for areas with reserves of 80,000 tons or more, average geological conditions, gently sloping to inclined seams, and limited installation space. The support force of these support systems can reach up to 3,900 kilonewtons. These characteristics open up the possibility of mechanization in mining areas that were previously considered difficult to apply large-scale technology, thereby increasing the overall mechanization rate of the Group.

One of the most significant effects of light mechanization is the fundamental change in working conditions in the coal mine. Synchronized support systems have high load-bearing capacity, stable structures, and ample working space. Key tasks such as support, transportation, and coal extraction are performed using mechanized equipment, minimizing manual labor and exposure to hazardous areas.

Workers of Hon Gai Coal Company are digging tunnels for basic construction in the Ha Rang mine area.

Not only has productivity skyrocketed, but the resource recovery rate in mechanized longwall mining has reached 85-98%, much higher than traditional technology. This is especially important as easily exploitable resources are gradually depleting, mines are becoming deeper, and the geology is becoming increasingly complex.

In mid-2025, the Vietnam Coal and Mineral Industry Group commenced construction on five key projects with a total investment of nearly 6,000 billion VND. These five key projects include: the Ha Rang underground mining expansion project of Hon Gai Coal Company; the investment project to build workers' dormitories for underground miners of Nui Beo Coal Company; the Coc Sau-Deo Nai mine cluster mining project; the Tan Yen underground mining project and the Dong Trang Bach mine of Uong Bi Coal Company; and the investment project to build the Nam Mau coal screening plant.

The Ha Rang mine expansion project has a mining capacity of 900,000 tons/year, a total investment of approximately VND 1,413 billion, and will be implemented over 4 years (2025-2029). According to the national energy master plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, approved by the Prime Minister , the Ha Rang mine expansion project needs to be invested in to produce coal before 2030.

During the implementation and operation of the project, Hon Gai Coal Company will proactively research and apply new mining technologies suitable to the geological conditions of the mine to increase labor productivity, reduce direct labor, minimize the use of explosives in underground mining, ensure safety, and significantly improve the environment and working conditions of miners in the mine. Upon completion, the project will maximize the use of conveyor belt transport technology with a roof system and apply maximum automation in the operation of the conveyor belt system, helping the coal industry move towards the goal of a "green mine, clean mine, and mine with fewer workers".

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NGHIA NAM

Source: https://nhandan.vn/lo-cho-co-gioi-hoa-buoc-dot-pha-cong-nghe-cua-than-hon-gai-post963358.html