At the beginning of 2026, at the highest point on the roof of the world, a feat of "Chinese intelligent manufacturing" is rewriting the limits of mining development. At an altitude of 5700 meters, the Huoshaoyun lead-zinc mine in Xinjiang experienced temperatures as low as minus tens of degrees Celsius and thin air. On this land known as the "forbidden zone of life", the unmanned mining truck independently developed by China Railway 19th Bureau set off steadily and successfully completed the test. At this moment, the testing of the unmanned driving system in the world's highest altitude mining area has been declared successful, and China's smart mine construction has achieved a new leap from technological blueprint to steel reality in the harshest natural environment.

Behind this milestone achievement is a construction state-owned enterprise that has been deeply cultivating and actively seeking change in the mining field for nearly 40 years. China Railway 19th Bureau is no longer satisfied with its traditional role as a construction contractor. They positioned their brand strategy as "building the most influential brand service provider for the entire mining industry chain", and deeply integrated this goal into the corporate bloodline through systematic top-level design. From establishing a brand building committee led by the main leaders of the group, to incorporating the core brand building of "19th Bureau Mining" into the 14th Five Year Plan, and to improving a series of brand management systems, brand power has become the core engine driving enterprise transformation and upgrading.

Three major intelligent systems, building the "life cycle" of mines

The core driving force of a brand is continuous innovation. China Railway 19th Bureau has transformed into the first full industry chain enterprise in China that integrates independent research and development of smart mining software, hardware, and construction operation. All of this has been implemented as a closely coordinated intelligent system of "intelligent control, intelligent protection, and intelligent operation", building a complete smart mining closed-loop.

The 'smart brain' oversees the overall situation: the intelligent control system is like the central nervous system that operates in a mine. It has built a centralized control system covering the entire production process by integrating technologies such as Beidou positioning, artificial intelligence, 3D visualization, and digital twins. At Taiyuan Iron and Steel Yuanjiacun Iron Mine, the largest open-pit iron mine in Asia, this system has successfully transformed production scheduling from relying on the experience of experienced masters to data-driven intelligent decision-making.

The "security guard" provides full protection throughout the process: the intelligent protection system is a strong backing for miners' life safety and equipment stability. Here, intelligent helmets with integrated positioning, environmental monitoring, and SOS alarms have been born, intelligent seat belts that can monitor personnel status, portable oxygen concentrators that can output medical grade oxygen, and track robots that can automatically inspect and warn of faults, weaving a three-dimensional intelligent protective net for high-altitude and high-risk work environments.

The 'Transport Fleet' is unmanned: the intelligent transportation system focuses on the complete transformation of mining transportation. It provides a full chain unmanned transportation solution from environmental perception, high-precision positioning to global scheduling. Not only has the normal operation been realized in high-altitude mining areas such as Huoshaoyun in Xinjiang and Yulong Copper Mine in Xizang, but also in Yangquanshan Limestone Mine in Tongchuan, Shaanxi, successfully challenged the high-precision and safe mixed car meeting of unmanned mine card and manned mine card in a complex environment of only 12 meters at the narrowest.

Technological breakthrough wins world attention

The continuous breakthroughs in core technologies have made the mining brand of "Made in China" increasingly shine on the international stage. In September 2024, its independently developed autonomous driving system made its debut at the China International Fair for Trade in Services. In October 2025, the complete brand system of "Intelligent Control, Intelligent Protection, and Intelligent Action" attracted strong interest from global mining merchants at the 2025 China International Mining Conference.

True international recognition followed one after another. At the Yulong Copper Mine in Xizang, which is more than 4600 meters above sea level, the driverless truck marshalling jointly deployed by China Railway 19th Bureau and Huawei operates efficiently. This technological achievement, which overcomes the challenges of extreme cold, strong light, and low air pressure, made a stunning debut at the 2025 Geneva International Invention Exhibition, winning the "Special Invention Award" and "Gold Award", becoming a shining business card for the brand to go global.

From Leading in China to Global Sharing

Standing at a new height, the blueprint of China Railway 19th Bureau is even more grand. Next, they will focus on driving brand value from industry leadership to global sharing. By deepening the collaborative innovation of the three intelligent systems, we will actively participate in the Boao Forum for Asia, China International Import Expo and other high-end international platforms to show comprehensive solutions, and will promote the successful experience and technical standards formed in China's cold mining areas to other mining countries along the the Belt and Road, aiming to contribute more solid Chinese power to the safe, green, efficient and intelligent development of global mining.Editor/Yang Meiling