The mining sector is currently witnessing a digital transformation as mine operators embrace autonomous vehicles, AI-driven monitoring systems, robotics and smart drill rigs, as well as more environmentally responsible practices, aimed at enhancing efficiency and safety. A major focus is on sustainable resource extraction and decarbonisation, with firms investing in technologies to lower emissions, manage water, and rehabilitate mined land, with several countries leading a global shift towards more intelligent and responsible mining.
How China is driving intelligent mining
As both the world’s largest producer and consumer of coal, in recent years China has made remarkable progress in upgrading its mining sector, with intelligent production capacity now representing more than 50% of total coal output. The number of mines adopting intelligent systems has increased significantly, and China now leads the world in the deployment of technologies such as 5G-enabled industrial internet, autonomous vehicles and digital management platforms.
Underpinned by robust policy support from the Chinese authorities, this transformation promotes intelligent, safe, and sustainable mining. New regulations mandate the adoption of advanced technologies to protect workers and reduce risks, with environmental sustainability a key priority. For example, autonomous trucks and drills are enabling continuous, round-the-clock operations, reducing the need for personnel to work in hazardous conditions, while AI-powered predictive maintenance systems are helping to prevent equipment failures, minimising costly downtime and ensuring more reliable, efficient mining operations.
Huawei’s technological innovations
A pivotal player of this evolution is technology pioneer Huawei, whose innovative solutions are helping to address mining’s most pressing challenges. Its 5G-Advanced (5G-A) networks deliver the high-speed, low-latency connectivity required for real-time data exchange between autonomous trucks, drills, and central control systems. This connectivity enables 24/7 operations, significantly boosting productivity while minimising human exposure to hazardous environments.
Huawei’s AI-driven platforms are also transforming mine management, with predictive maintenance and cloud-based management systems enabling seamless coordination of complex mining processes. Huawei’s autonomous vehicle solutions, such as those deployed at the Yimin open-pit mine, demonstrate the practical benefits of these technologies, with improved safety, greater operational efficiency, and reduced environmental impact.
Smart mining with 5G-A and autonomous electric trucks at Yimin
In May 2025, the Yimin open-pit coal mine in Inner Mongolia became the world’s first mine to deploy a fleet of 100 autonomous electric mining trucks, marking a significant milestone in the digital transformation of the mining sector. This achievement was the result of a joint innovation project between Huaneng Inner Mongolia Eastern Energy Co., Ltd., Huawei, and other partners, aimed at creating a zero-carbon, intelligent mine transportation system.
Huawei has been at the forefront of integrating AI and digital solutions into mining operations and at the heart of the Yimin mine is the integration of a 5G-Advanced (5G-A) network, enabling seamless vehicle-cloud-network synergy. Huawei played a pivotal role by providing its Commercial Vehicle Autonomous Driving Cloud Service (CVADCS), which leverages crowdsourced mapping for real-time location updates and route optimisation.
This technology not only reduces waiting times and maximises fleet efficiency, but also supports the safe, continuous operation of trucks in harsh environmental conditions, including the extreme -40°C temperatures often found at the Yimin mine, frequent dust storms, and fog. The Yimin mine is also the first in China to operate autonomous mining trucks without driver cabins, significantly improving personnel safety by removing workers from hazardous environments entirely.
The 5G-A network deployed by Huawei ensures robust, low-latency connectivity, supporting high-definition video backhaul and real-time cloud dispatching. With 500 Mbps uplink and 20 ms latency, the network underpins the smooth operation of the autonomous fleet, setting a new benchmark for intelligent mining worldwide.
Award-winning technology
Huawei has been awarded the Mining Technology Excellence Awards 2025 for its pioneering work in integrating large-scale AI models and cloud computing to create an intelligent mining ecosystem. This achievement marks a significant transformation of traditional mining operations, with Huawei’s advanced digital platforms enabling seamless coordination between autonomous vehicles, equipment, and personnel, thereby setting a new benchmark for smart mining. The award also recognises Huawei and Huaneng Inner Mongolia Eastern Energy Co., Ltd. in accelerating the adoption of scenario-based AI applications that tackle real-world mining challenges, such as predictive maintenance and operational optimisation.
By empowering mining companies to rapidly digitalise and automate their processes, Huawei has contributed to greater efficiency, productivity, and adaptability across the sector. Special consideration was given to Huawei’s commitment to fostering an open and collaborative ecosystem, which encourages ongoing technological advancement and industry-wide innovation.
Looking ahead, Huawei and its partners plan to expand 5G-A coverage to support over 300 autonomous trucks, further enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The Yimin mine project stands as an example of how advanced digital technologies can drive high-quality, sustainable development in the mining industry, with Huawei at the forefront of this transformation.
