The auxiliary shaft of the Sanshandao Gold Mine, constructed by China National Coal Group Corporation (China Coal Group), has been safely completed with a final depth of 2,005 meters, setting a new record for the deepest shaft in Asia. This milestone marks a breakthrough in China’s ultra-deep mine construction technology.
The shaft stands as a symbol of China’s pioneering drive in deep-earth exploration. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
Located near the coastline, the shaft has a clear diameter of 10.5 meters and faced five major challenges: high stress, violent rock bursts, heavy water inflow, severe corrosion, and high geothermal temperatures. China Coal Group addressed these difficulties through specialization and innovation.
The shaft reaches a depth of 2,005 meters with a clear diameter of 10.5 meters. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
Working in collaboration with universities, the team developed China’s first Type-VIII shaft sinking headframe, with a load capacity exceeding 1,000 tons, built an intelligent management and control platform based on BIM, IoT, and AI technologies, and deployed the nation’s largest shaft hoisting equipment, including a 5.5-meter-diameter mine hoist and a 50-ton sinking winch, creating a complete technical system for ultra-deep shaft construction.
During construction, the team achieved multiple breakthroughs: developing anti-corrosion grouting materials for marine conditions, and using an intelligent cooling system to keep the working face below 26°C despite geothermal heat of 53°C. Advanced blasting methods also effectively reduced rock burst risks.
This achievement not only pushes forward China’s capability in ultra-deep and subsea resource development, but also provides a “Chinese solution” for global ultra-deep shaft construction.
(Executive editor: Wang Ruoting)
