Enhancing Coal Mining Efficiency: A Unified Platform for Intelligent Management and Control

Related Work

Intelligent mining combines informatization and industrialization and is rooted in mechanized and automated mining methods. It has revolutionized the coal industry (Wang et al., 2016). This new technology enables automatic mining through intelligent environmental perception at the work face, intelligent control of each mining machine, and automatic direction of mining equipment. Recently, many countries have witnessed the technological development and application of intelligent mining.

Domestic coal mines encounter safety monitoring challenges. Zhang (2012) proposed a computer-controlled coal mine safety monitoring system comprising three subsystems: monitoring, communication, and control. The monitoring subsystem consists of gas, wind speed, negative pressure, temperature, and other sensors distributed throughout the mine for real-time monitoring. The communication subsystem, consisting of coordinators, routers, and end nodes, is responsible for wireless communication. CAN buses connect these two subsystems to the central control computer, which is located on the surface.

The transformation of the coal industry, in alignment with the national level of productive forces development, indicates a growing trend towards automation in coal mining. The utilization of innovative automated technologies, energy-efficient equipment, and computer-aided technology facilitates the automation of coal mine production. Research and development, as well as production and automation systems technology, play a pivotal role in the transformation of the coal industry. Han (2012) conducted an analysis of coal production automation systems to explore coal mine safety in high-yield, efficient mining, and automated production.

In Xueping and Xingquan (2014), the authors examined the system configuration and characteristics of a coal mine based on the Internet of Things, elaborated on the realization and structure of coal mine automation technology based on the Internet of Things, and explained the main functions of the platform for coal mine automation technology based on the Internet of Things.

Underground coal mining requires advanced instrumentation to ensure long-term growth and miner safety. Multiple parameters such as gas emissions, strata conditions, temperature, air velocity, humidity, and more must be simultaneously monitored using appropriate sensors. In Mandal et al. (2016), the authors presented the applications of a programmable logic controller (PLC) for key activities in underground automatic mining operations. PLCs are the preferred option for increasing output while maintaining safety in gassy underground mines. They can switch off the power supply when the concentration of flammable gases exceeds the permissible limit and simultaneously raise an alarm to save miners' lives and mine property. Additionally, PLCs can be used to monitor strata conditions.

In China, Longwall automation technology was proposed by the Longwall Automation Steering Committee during the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011–2015), signifying significant technological progress. Jinhua and Zenghua (2017) recapitulated this achievement, which included advancements in intelligent equipment for hydraulic-powered supports, dynamic decision-making, performance coordination, information transfers, and achieving a high level of consistency under challenging conditions.

The mining industry's unique characteristics have garnered considerable attention since they limit the use of automation and sometimes even mechanization in specific processes. Bołoz and Biały (2020) studied the automation and robotization of underground mining in Poland and presented the status of underground mining automation and robotization in Poland through selected examples.

Over the past 30 years, coalfield geology and mine geology IT applications have achieved notable milestones. In Shanjun (2020), the author illuminated the growth of geological and surveying spatial management information systems. Leveraging recent advances in computer and spatial information technologies, this study presented the development trend, system structure, function design, and sub-systems of the next generation of geological and surveying spatial management information systems.