Huawei Uses AI-Based Technology to Revolutionize the Mining Sector

Huawei Technologies Co., a leading Chinese tech company, is revolutionizing the mining industry by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI). Through the integration of AI technology, Huawei is paving the way for enhanced operational safety measures and remarkable improvements in productivity.

The implementation of an intelligent mining system necessitates the utilization of 5G networks to seamlessly transmit millions of real-time data points, including high-definition videos and images, from underground operations conducted by machines or robots to human operators situated above ground on a daily basis.

During a recent gathering in Shanghai, Jack Chen, Huawei's Vice President responsible for the coal mine corps, informed a select group of Indonesian journalists that this advanced technology empowers operators to carry out their tasks within the secure and controlled environment of an air-conditioned command center located above ground. This ensures both their comfort and safety while overseeing mining operations.

While Jack Chen's explanations primarily contained technical details, the essence of the implementation of intelligent mining can be summarized as follows: Huawei will deploy numerous 5G base stations and underground cameras, accompanied by the activation of Huawei's Mine Harmony operating system. This integration will facilitate the seamless coordination of various protocols, enabling the efficient operation of the intelligent mining system.

The operating system, known as Mine Harmony, was launched in September 2021 through a collaborative effort between Huawei and China Energy Investment Group. This joint initiative signifies the partnership between the two entities in bringing forth this advanced technology for the mining industry.

According to Jack Chen, the implementation of intelligent mining involves the utilization of big data and cloud computing, similar to AI. These technologies enable the intelligent analytics of vast amounts of data, which serve as the foundation for informed decision-making processes. Through this analytical approach, mining operations can be optimized and strategic choices can be made based on accurate and insightful information.

According to Jack Chen, the integrated system addresses several significant IT challenges encountered by the mining industry. These challenges include inadequate underground Wi-Fi coverage, limited bandwidth, and restricted network scalability. By implementing the intelligent mining system, these issues are effectively resolved, providing improved connectivity, enhanced bandwidth capacity, and increased network scalability to support the mining operations more efficiently.

Chen asserted that Huawei's intelligent mining technology has undergone successful trials in China, a country with over 3,000 operational coal mines and an industry employing over 2.8 million workers.

Over the course of a year, Huawei collaborated with Hongliulin Coal Mine and Xiaobaodang Coal Mine, both located in the northwestern province of Shaanxi, to implement intelligent mining solutions tailored to their specific requirements.

These trials yielded impressive outcomes, with a notable decrease of up to 40 percent in the number of underground workers, highlighting the significant impact and efficiency gains achieved through the adoption of Huawei's intelligent mining technology.

Furthermore, Huawei is actively engaged in the development of autonomous driving technology specifically designed for heavy machinery and trucks utilized in open-pit mines.

To facilitate seamless collaboration between the control center, 5G base stations, cameras, radars, GPS, and mining equipment, this technology relies on a converged internet protocol network.

Chen expressed his optimism and aspiration that Indonesian companies operating open-pit coal mines would eventually reap the benefits of Huawei's intelligent mining technology, enabling them to enhance their operational efficiency and safety standards.

In an article written by Ge Shirong, the President of China University of Mining and Technology, it was highlighted that numerous coal mines in China have successfully implemented the Mining Internet of Things (MIoT) powered by 5G technology. This transformative system allows operators to remotely control long wall cutting and tunneling operations with a simple click, streamlining the process and increasing operational efficiency. The integration of 5G-powered MIoT empowers coal mines to optimize their mining operations and enhance productivity while minimizing risks associated with manual labor.