Chinese underground bauxite mines witness the triumph of longwall systems, applauds CCTEG

China, the world's largest aluminium producer, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the mining industry by successfully implementing longwall shearers in bauxite mines, marking the world's inaugural application of this comprehensive mechanized mining technology underground. Spearheading this achievement is China Coal Technology and Engineering Group Corporation (CCTEG), the critical equipment supplier, which has ingeniously adapted coal mining machines into efficient bauxite extractors. Remarkably, this innovative approach yields an impressive mineral recovery rate exceeding 95 per cent while maintaining a remarkably low depletion rate of less than 5 per cent. Consequently, standard ore sections can now produce an annual output of over 500,000 tonnes, making it a significant advancement for bauxite mining.

In 2018, a significant milestone was achieved at the Wachangping Bauxite Mine in Wuchuan Country, Guizhou Province, China, as it became the first bauxite mine in the country to implement longwall mining techniques. This technological advancement commenced with the 1102 panel. The mine is under the ownership of the State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) and is efficiently operated by its subsidiary, Wuchuan Alumina. Notably, Wuchuan Alumina expanded its technological endeavours to include the application of the Technology of Comprehensive Mechanized Excavation (TCME) at Dazhuyuan, another major bauxite mine in Guizhou, in 2019.

These cutting-edge mining practices at the Wachangping and Dazhuyuan mines are vital components of the supply chain that sustains a newly established alumina plant. Commencing its operations in late 2020, this alumina plant is a crucial facility for producing and processing aluminium. The integrated efforts of the State Power Investment Corporation and its subsidiary showcase their commitment to advancing mining technologies in China and contribute significantly to the country's industrial growth and development.

CCTEG's eight-year exploration efforts have led to groundbreaking advancements in underground bauxite mining. Departing from the traditional blasting approach, the team has devised innovative techniques to address several longstanding challenges. Introducing the layered section mining method and a novel small drum incline cutting process, both pioneering in their respective fields, has significantly improved mineral recovery rates, reduced depletion rates, enhanced mining efficiency, and lowered production costs. These cutting-edge methods mark a new era in the industry, revolutionizing how bauxite is mined underground.

CCTEG has successfully developed innovative technologies to address the challenges posed by bauxite mining fields, characterized by multiple dissolution cavities, faults, and thin, sporadic ore veins. These areas also exhibit high hardness and erosion due to alumina-rich bauxite ores and cemented soil materials. The cutting-edge solutions include a large cutting force low-speed mining system and a long-life walking system. Implementing these groundbreaking technologies has substantially improved mining efficiency and ore grade while mitigating production risks.

The emerging technology and advanced equipment designed for mining medium to high-hardness minerals offer vast potential for application, not limited to bauxite alone but also extending to the phosphate and potash mining industries.