As China enters a critical winter period for energy supply, Shanxi, the country’s largest coal-producing province, is fast-tracking the development of intelligent coal mines to strengthen supply stability while aligning with national dual-carbon objectives.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period from 2021 to 2025, Shanxi produced around 6.5 billion metric tons of coal, accounting for nearly 30 percent of China’s total output and supplying thermal coal to 24 provinces.

Smart mining becomes a provincial priority

Provincial energy officials say Shanxi has used its resource base and industrial capacity to push coal production toward high-end, intelligent, and greener operations. By November 2025, the province had built 369 intelligent coal mines, representing more than one-third of the national total. Authorities aim to equip all operating coal mines with intelligent systems by 2027.

According to Zhang Xiang, director of Shanxi’s provincial energy administration, intelligent technologies have boosted efficiency, lowered labor intensity, and improved safety across the coal value chain, supported by standardized systems covering construction, production, washing, and management.

Read more: IFS research shows industrial AI cutting emissions across heavy industry

Automation reshapes underground and surface operations

The widespread adoption of intelligent mining systems, unattended control rooms, smart coal transport, unmanned open-pit trucks, and 5G-enabled operations has reduced the need for workers in high-risk environments. Robots are increasingly replacing human labor in hazardous positions, making underground operations safer and more predictable.

At the Tashan Coal Mine in Datong, one of China’s first national-level intelligent demonstration mines with annual output of 25 million tons, remote monitoring and inspection robots now allow technicians to track equipment conditions in real time from control rooms, rather than conducting daily underground inspections.

Electric and unmanned equipment cuts risks and emissions

Surface mines are also seeing rapid transformation. The East Surface Mine in Shuozhou, operated by China Coal Pingshuo Co Ltd, has shifted toward intelligent surface mining since 2020. By 2023, it achieved national certification as a mid-level intelligent demonstration mine.

According to mine management, the introduction of unmanned systems has cut accident rates by more than 50 percent. The mine now uses pure electric mining trucks, which are also being adapted for autonomous driving, reducing both carbon emissions and operational complexity.

Explore OneStop ESG Marketplace: AI (Artificial Intelligence)

Green mining expands alongside digitalization

Alongside intelligent construction, Shanxi is scaling up green mining practices. During the current five-year plan, the province added 150 million tons per year of new production capacity, while maintaining daily output above 3.5 million tons.

Officials report that 75 green mining demonstration mines have been established, with more than 200 additional mines testing cleaner extraction methods. These include filling mining, water-preserving mining, coal-gas co-mining, and pillarless mining techniques, all aimed at reducing environmental impact while sustaining output.

Together, Shanxi’s push toward intelligent and green mining highlights how China’s coal sector is seeking to balance energy security, worker safety, and decarbonization pressures within a rapidly evolving industrial landscape.

Explore ESG Solutions on our marketplace - OneStop ESG Marketplace.

Keep abreast of the top ESG Events on OneStop ESG Events.

OneStop ESG Educate: Your go-to source for top ESG courses and training programs tailored to your needs.

Stay informed with the latest insights on OneStop ESG News.

Discover meaningful career opportunities on OneStop ESG Jobs.