China's Huaneng Yimin Coal Mine Becomes First Fully Autonomous Mine

Key Highlights:

• XCMG delivers 100 complete autonomous electric haul trucks to Huaneng Yimin Open-Pit Coal Mine.
• These new trucks have been an ample manufacture of innovation
• XCMG's new mining trucks will decrease 48,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year

According to XCMG, the Huaneng Yimin Open-Pit Coal Mine has emerged as the world’s first mine to be operated with 100 complete autonomous electric haul trucks. These electric mining trucks have been delivered to the mine by Chinese heavy equipment manufacturer XCMG Machineries itself.

These mining trucks from the company come with several innovative features. To begin with, the delivered trucks are fully autonomous electric, built with smart battery-swapping technology. This enables batteries to be changed in less than six minutes.  Mining trucks also include autonomous vehicle clusters. The system's AI-powered safety management with its 5G connectivity helps in supporting the green initiative of the company.

XCMG’s new mining trucks will have green energy systems, supported by photovoltaic-powered electricity. This initiative by the company will support China's innovation in electric vehicles.

Considering the working conditions of the trucks, the company has increased productivity by 20 percent compared to conventional manual operations. These trucks can perform even in low temperatures at -40°C.

Chairman of XCMG Group and XCMG Machinery, Yang Dongsheng said, “This initiative represents a convergence of energy, technological, equipment, and commercial revolutions. By partnering with industry leaders, XCMG has delivered a world-class blueprint for global green intelligent mining. Starting with autonomous electric trucks, we will expand to unmanned excavators, drilling rigs, and loaders, creating a comprehensive zero-carbon, unmanned mining eco-system.”

This innovation from XCMG will reduce carbon emissions by 48,000 tonnes every year by displacing more than 15,000 tonnes of diesel fuel annually.