‘Smart mines’ show coal deeply embedded in China’s future

Huawei said the new methods had increased output per shift by almost a third.

According to official figures, China had 4,400 coal mines at the end of 2022.

But Huawei’s involvement suggests China is betting on coal retaining its importance in fuel supply for years.

“We aim to achieve the ultimate goal of completely unmanned underground production,” said Shi Chao, director of the mine’s intelligence department.