
Background and Challenges
The coal preparation plant in Tieling City, Liaoning Province, as a key coal production base, has long faced the dual challenges of ensuring safety and improving operational efficiency. To address these issues, the plant invested in a Smart Mine AI Analysis Platform, leveraging advanced artificial intelligence technology to enhance safety management and production efficiency.
Project Overview
The core of the Smart Mine AI Analysis Platform is the application of AI algorithms for on-site monitoring and data analysis, aimed at improving workplace safety and operational performance. The platform includes 10 key AI algorithm applications:
-
Safety Helmet Detection: Automatically monitors whether personnel in the mining area are wearing helmets through real-time video analysis, significantly improving workplace safety.
-
Workwear Compliance Detection: Identifies personnel not wearing designated work attire and captures images with alerts.
-
Fire and Smoke Detection: Detects smoke or open flames in the monitored area, triggering automatic image capture and alerts.
-
Personnel Intrusion Detection: Monitors restricted zones and alerts when unauthorized personnel enter.
-
Sleep and Absence Detection: Analyzes video every 30 seconds over a 270-second period; if no activity is detected across 9 consecutive intervals, the system captures and saves 9 images combined into one for alerting management.
-
Mobile Phone Usage Detection: Captures and alerts when personnel are using mobile phones in restricted or unsafe areas.
-
Truck Intrusion Detection: Detects and alerts when trucks enter unauthorized zones.
-
Conveyor Belt Deviation Detection: Monitors conveyor belts for misalignment; if belts deviate from their designated paths, the system captures images to prevent accidents.
-
Conveyor Belt Foreign Object Detection: Identifies objects such as stones or tools on the conveyor belt to prevent damage and safety hazards.
-
Coal Pile Monitoring: Analyzes coal pile images; if material blocks the outlet pipe, the system captures images to support inventory management and logistics planning.
Data Management Platform
In addition to AI algorithms, the platform includes a comprehensive data management system. It collects, stores, and processes data from various monitoring points, including video streams, sensor data, and operational logs. This allows the platform to generate detailed analysis reports, supporting more informed decision-making by management.
Results and Impact
Since the implementation of the Smart Mine AI Analysis Platform, the coal preparation plant has achieved significant improvements in safety management and operational efficiency:
-
Safety incident rates have been substantially reduced.
-
Production efficiency has increased.
-
The data management platform enables more rational resource allocation, further enhancing overall operational performance.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the plant plans to expand the AI platform’s capabilities, including:
-
Equipment health monitoring and predictive maintenance algorithms to further improve efficiency and reliability.
-
Utilizing big data and machine learning to optimize overall mine operations and management.
Through ongoing technological innovation and application, this coal preparation plant is becoming a benchmark for smart mining, setting new standards for the industry in safety, efficiency, and intelligent operations.
