TCC's zero carbon mines
Taiwan Cement Corp (TCC) has initiated its 5G Zero Carbon Mine Project, which includes the introduction of 14 self-driving electric mining vehicles to replace the original fuel-based trucks at its JuRong plant, China. By overcoming application challenges through the use of various technologies, the project serves as a leading example of unmanned electric vehicles that cover the entire mining area and support the EV100 initiative.

——by Taiwan Cement Corp, Taiwan

Taiwan Cement Corp (TCC) has collaborated with Digital Mine, Changsha Intelligent Driving Research Institute and Sany Heavy Equipment to launch the 5G Zero Carbon Mine Project. At TCC's JuRong plant in China, 14 self-driving electric mining vehicles have been introduced to replace the original fuel-based mining trucks. By completely electrifying the mining fleet, the project could potentially save 805tpa of diesel fuel, resulting in a reduction of CO₂, emissions by over 1800tpa, equivalent to the carbon absorbed by 150,000 trees in a year. Ln addition to environmental benefits, the project also significantly lowers labour and maintenance costs compared to traditional fuel-based mining trucks. This project serves as a leading example of unmanned electric mining vehicles that cover the entire mining area and supports the EV100  initiative.

Applying self-driving electric mining vehicles is challenging due to the specific characteristics of mining operations, which often involve multiple production points vast areas and complex collaborative processes. However, TCC has utilised various technologies to overcome these obstacles.

3D visualisation management and control platform

TCC has implemented technologies such as 3D visualisation, virtual reality (VR) and lnternet of Things(loT) to construct a virtual mine that is a precise replica of the physical mine. This virtual mine has enabled the company to achieve a 3D virtual simulation of the mine, which in turn helps it to generate production plans, monitor production processes, collect data and integrate slope data. Moreover, the virtual mine provides centralised visual control of mine safety production, enabling the company to address the complex and multifaceted issues relating to mine production and safety that were previously difficult to manage.

Mining vehicle intelligent dispatching system

The operator in the central control room(CCR) can set the daily work path of the fleet of mining vehicles with just one click. This enables dynamic tracking and verification of mining production, equipment, and quality control warnings, providing essential support for intelligent analysis and decision-making of mining production indicators. Moreover, the operator can conveniently monitor the surrounding road conditions and check the status of each mining vehicle in operation. Autonomous mining vehicles can quickly detect road obstacles and adjust their route, navigate around obstacles, or stop in emergencies with the help of sensors such as lasers, millimetre waves and ultrasonic radars, as well as visual cameras mounted on the vehicle. By minimising the need for human intervention, the vehicles can operate continuously without fatigue and follow the most efficient paths to maximise fuel efficiency.

Automatic parking and unloading of mining

Automatic system integration of information

Manual driving can be affected by factor such as the driver's skill level, leading to inconsistent loading and unloading times, and possible traffic congestion at these points. Therefore, safety measures such as speed controls should be put in place. Autonomous mining vehicles can utilise sensors and cameras to gather data on the crushing station, allowing them to make informed decisions about parking and unloading without human intervention.

Although unmanned driving may take longer to complete round trips, when paired with intelligent scheduling systems it can achieve comparable travel times, ensuring that mining car loading and unloading is organised and evenly distributed. This reduces the need for on-site personnel, saving time and money, while also improving safety.

Emergency takeover system- taking over mining vehicles within 20s

The use of autonomous mining vehicles has revolutionised the mining industry by improving efficiency and reducing risks to human life. However, there are still situations where human intervention in necessary, such as in the case of an emergency. In such circumstances, an emergency takeover system can be crucial to ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment. This system enables the remote control of mining vehicles from a central control room within just 20s, allowing for rapid response to emergencies. By combining the benefits of autonomous driving technology with the ability for rapid human intervention, TCC can continue to improve safety and efficiency in its operations.

Solar power installation

In addition to electric mining vehicles, TCC's JuRong plant also plans to utilise the permanent slopes and original soil disposal areas within the plant area to construct a7.33MW solar energy system with a 2MWhbattery storage capacity. The system is set up to transfer any surplus energy to the public electricity grid, supporting the country's efforts to decrease its carbon emissions from electricity generation. Upon completion, the system is expected to generate an average output of 7.2715mkWh per annum, fully meeting the annual electricity demand of the mine as well as being the equivalent of reducing 4225t of carbon emissions.

Driving safe, sustainable mining operations

Overall, the 5G Zero Carbon Mine Project represents a significant step towards sustainable, efficient and safe mining operations. Taiwan Cement Corp is proud to be at the forefront of this exciting initiative and plans to introduce it to other mines that meet the necessary conditions.

“By combining the benefits of autonomous driving technology with the ability for rapid human intervention, TCC can continue to improve safety and efficiency in its operations.”