The Yuanjiacun mine, which is under the management of China Baowu Steel Group Corporation Limited, has an annual iron concentrate output of approximately 8 million metric tons. The mine, which is located in Lan County of North China's Shanxi Province, is undergoing an in-depth transformation driven by artificial intelligence technologies.
A bank of screens gives a comprehensive view of what is going on in the Yuanjiacun mine. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
Mineral processing is a crucial link in mining, so its smart upgrading remains a priority for the mine’s digital and intelligent transformation.
Against this background, by leveraging the iPlat integrated management and control platform, the mining company achieved centralized operation and real-time supervision of the entire mineral processing process.
The intelligent control center of the mine. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
An expert system for ore grinding and flotation was introduced in mineral processing, enabling millisecond-level automatic adjustment of key parameters. The innovation effectively improved the stability of production indicators and the operational reliability of the entire production system.
A staff member uses AI technology to achieve remote operation. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
Pelletizing is another crucial production link, and it has also achieved breakthroughs in intelligent upgrading.
A typical example was the renovation project of the QT4 unloading trolley in the pelletizing plant. The trolley, equipped with a high-precision positioning system and automatic movement algorithms, was able to complete unloading more stably and precisely.
A staff member uses AI technology to achieve remote operation. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
The mining company always prioritizes safety while making efforts to improve production efficiency.
It built a comprehensive safety protection network by employing intelligent systems, including AI-based scenario safety supervision. AI technology was applied in multiple scenarios, including monitoring staff members wearing safety helmets and dust masks, identifying belt deviations, detecting illegal belt crossings, recognizing single-person operations, and detecting intrusions in dangerous belt operation areas.
Drone-assisted three-dimensional modeling and online slope monitoring systems are adopted in high-risk areas, such as tailings ponds and waste dumps, to establish a prevention and control system featuring omnidirectional perception and intelligent early warning capabilities. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
The currently operational AI systems and intelligent equipment have continuously provided solid technical support for the mine with regard to production safety and quality control, and they have evolved into critical infrastructure that drives the digital transformation of traditional mines.
Mine employees monitor situations with screens in a spacious hall.[Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
(Executive editor: Zuo Shihan)
