Autonomous extended-range mining trucks begin Inner Mongolia operations

These trucks, fully electric and equipped with advanced technologies such as environmental perception, integrated positioning, route planning, and vehicle control, operate without direct human intervention. Operators are responsible solely for fleet management, as the trucks themselves are equipped with preemptive safety warning systems and self-diagnostic capabilities that enable early anomaly detection.

The success of the autonomous fleet hinges on robust 5G communication technology. Liu Jingyu, Zakhnuur Coal Company's chairman, said that his company has built a comprehensive unmanned transportation system, including a smart cloud control center, a hybrid 4G/5G private network, roadside infrastructure, and coordinated auxiliary systems.

These advancements allow for real-time remote monitoring, precise navigation in complex terrain, and seamless coordination between excavators and trucks.

By reducing reliance on manual labor, particularly in extreme weather and harsh environments, autonomous mining enhances worker safety, reduces costs, and delivers significant economic and social value. This initiative signals a transformative shift toward safer, smarter, and more efficient coal mining in China's resource-rich northern frontier.