China Sets Standards for the Future of Intelligent Coal Mines

China's National Energy Administration (NEA) is taking a big step towards modernizing its coal industry with the establishment of an intelligent standard system for coal mines. Recently issued "Guidelines for the Construction of Coal Mine Intelligent Standard Systems" outline a plan for creating a comprehensive framework by 2025.

This initial system will be "structurally reasonable, with clear hierarchical levels, clearly defined elements, and scientifically open," according to the NEA. This means the standards will be well-organized, easy to understand, and adaptable to future advancements in technology. The ultimate goal is to ensure the system meets the fundamental needs for building smart coal mines.

The "Construction Guidelines" have a long-term vision. By 2030, China aims to have a fully established intelligent standard system for coal mines. This will encompass a comprehensive set of standards that cover the entire lifecycle of an intelligent mine, from design and construction to operation, maintenance, and evaluation.

The five key sub-systems that will form the foundation of China's intelligent coal mine standards:

• Basic General Subsystem: This acts as the bedrock for the entire system, establishing common requirements across the board. It will include fundamental standards, general best practices, design principles, and evaluation criteria for intelligent coal mines.

• Information Basic Subsystem: The backbone of information flow, this subsystem focuses on the infrastructure needed for data transmission and processing. It will cover information networks, data formats, data center protocols, and information security measures.

• Platform and Software Subsystem: This subsystem delves into the software that powers intelligent coal mines. It will establish guidelines for the architecture, functionalities, and development management of platforms and applications, including geographic information systems (GIS), management and control platforms, industry-specific software, data analysis platforms, algorithmic intelligence platforms, intelligent video systems, and digital twin systems.

• Production System and Technical Equipment Subsystem: Here, the focus is on the physical tools used in intelligent mining. This subsystem will outline standards for the design, manufacturing, functionality, testing, and operation of intelligent machinery and systems in both underground and open-pit coal mines. Additionally, it will cover intelligent washing systems.

• Operation and Maintenance Guarantee and Management Subsystem: Ensuring smooth operations is crucial for any intelligent system. This subsystem will provide the technical framework for maintaining equipment and systems, as well as define best practices for production operation and management in intelligent coal mines. It will cover operation and maintenance procedures, equipment health monitoring, production management practices, and the management of intelligent mine parks.