China builds 5,500+ green mines, advances sustainable mining

Further north, in the Hulunbuir grassland of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, the Yimin open-pit mine is located in a fragile ecological environment, requiring stringent standards for green and low-carbon development.

Through technological upgrades and process optimization, raw coal is now transported directly to a nearby power plant via a 32.8-kilometer fully enclosed conveyor belt corridor, enabling clean, zero-exposure transport. Electricity generated by the plant, along with power from photovoltaic facilities, is supplied to the grid and used for mine operations. The mine has also established a digital intelligent operation platform aimed at advancing unmanned production processes to enhance safety and efficiency.

China's experience in building green mines has provided a Chinese solution for the green development of the global mining industry, particularly for countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.