Mining Industry Journal

A Proposed Method for Determining Water Inflow Sources into the 11-1.10 Longwall at Levels -175/-180 in Zone III of Seam 11, Vinacomin – Ha Lam Coal JSC

Van Hau Le — 2026-02-12

The Ha Lam Coal Mine, operated by Ha Lam Coal Joint Stock Company – Vinacomin, has been exploited using both open-pit and underground mining methods. After the completion of surface mining, the spoil dumps have been reclaimed and graded to elevations equal to or higher than the regional drainage level. During underground extraction at longwall face 11-1.10 (level −175/−180) in Zone III of Seam 11, located beneath the waste dump of Seam 14 in the western field, a sudden water inrush occurred, disrupting production activities. This study investigates the source of the inflowing water through hydrogeological analysis and field data interpretation. The results reveal a potential hydraulic connection between the overlying spoil dump and the underlying coal seam, which led to the incident. Based on these findings, technical measures are proposed to prevent similar events and to improve the safety and stability of mining operations in the remaining reserves.

Research on Selecting Appropriate Drilling and Blasting Methods and Parameters for Open-Pit Coal Mines in Quang Ninh Area of TKV

Duc Phuong Le — 2026-02-12

The paper presents a study on selecting appropriate drilling and blasting methods and parameters for open-pit coal mines in Quang Ninh area of TKV, and the results of experimental blasting at Cao Son coal mine. The results of the research and testing show that although the explosive index increased from 7.5 ÷ 21.1% compared to the current standard depending on each type of excavator bucket capacity and the physical and mechanical properties of soil and rock, the productivity of the loading and unloading transport combination was significantly improved, the excavator's loading cycle time was reduced by an average of 19.74%, the excavator's productivity increased by an average of 21.86%; the productivity of the car increased from 5 ÷ 8.33% compared to the standard; the volume of drilling and blasting for the second time was reduced. The calculation results in Cao Son mine conditions show that the average cost of removing soil and rock will decrease by 542 VND/m³ when applying the proposed drilling and blasting parameters.

Innovation in Management and Production Organization through Artificial Intelligence (AI) Application in Underground Coal Mines in Quang Ninh Region

Duc Thang Pham — 2026-02-12

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a key technology to address systemic challenges in the mining industry, ranging from operational optimization and cost reduction to enhancing worker safety and environmental protection. Despite its proven potential, the large-scale adoption of AI in underground coal mining remains limited due to high investment costs, lack of supportive policy frameworks, and the industry’s cautious approach to technological transformation. Overcoming these barriers requires close collaboration between enterprises, regulatory bodies, and academic institutions, alongside the development of a digitally skilled workforce and the promotion of a responsible innovation culture.

In the context of underground coal mines in Quang Ninh – the largest coal-producing region in Vietnam – management models remain dominated by traditional approaches, manual operations, and limited automation. This study analyzes the current status of management and production organization in the region’s coal mining enterprises. Based on the findings, the paper proposes an AI-based management and production model aimed at improving productivity, ensuring occupational safety, and advancing sustainable development. Furthermore, a practical roadmap for AI implementation in underground coal mines of Quang Ninh is introduced, tailored to the specific conditions of local enterprises.

Study on the Use of Tailings Sludge from the Ta Phoi Copper Concentration Plant as a Replacement for Natural Sand in the Production of Cement-Free Green Concrete

Manh Ha Pham — 2026-02-12

This paper presents the experimental results on the use of waste mud from the Ta Phoi Copper Processing Plant as a partial replacement for natural fine aggregates in the production of green concrete without cement. The plant generates approximately 60,000 m³ of waste mud and tailings per month, posing significant challenges to storage capacity and environmental safety. The study follows current Vietnamese standards to evaluate the workability and compressive strength of green concrete mixtures containing 0÷30% waste mud. The resulting mixtures exhibited good workability with slump values ranging from 14.5 to 20.0 cm, stable bulk densities, and 28-day compressive strengths exceeding 40 MPa. The optimal mixture containing 10% waste mud achieved the highest compressive strength of 55.5 MPa. These findings demonstrate the potential of waste mud to function as an artificial fine aggregate, offering a sustainable solution to reduce natural sand consumption, manage industrial waste, and promote eco-friendly construction materials..

Strength Verification Calculation of the Explosion-Proof Vacuum Circuit Breaker Enclosure THCDPN-660 (1140) for Underground Coal Mines

Duc Trong Do — 2026-02-12

In the design of electrical equipment intended for use in underground coal mines where explosive gas and dust atmospheres may be present, the flameproof enclosure plays a critical role. The enclosure shall comply with all applicable requirements of type of protection “d” (flameproof enclosure) in accordance with IEC 60079 and the corresponding Vietnamese standard TCVN 7079. Therefore, the design process requires conformity with enclosure construction requirements in combination with mechanical strength verification calculations.

This paper presents the technical requirements for the flameproof enclosure of a vacuum switch, together with the methodology and results of strength verification performed during the design stage. The research methods, design procedure, and results presented in this paper can be generally applied to the design of flameproof enclosures for electrical equipment intended for use in underground coal mines.

Evaluation of the Applicability of Fuel Cell - Battery Hybrid Electric Trucks for Serving Open-Pit Mining

Dang Tan Nguyen — 2026-02-12

As the mining industry moves towards more sustainable development, mining corporations are looking for low-carbon energy sources for trucks. Replacing diesel engines in mining trucks with electric batteries or fuel cells has been studied. Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages. Recently, there have been studies in the world applying hybrid power systems between hydrogen fuel cells and electric batteries for mining trucks. Fuel cells combine hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity, electric batteries store electricity for use when sudden power increases are needed and regenerate energy when braking. When replacing diesel engines, the challenge is to improve trucks originally designed to use diesel engines into trucks using hybrid fuel cells and electric batteries. This article provides initial assessments of some indicators of large-capacity mining trucks using diesel engines, converted to fuel cell - battery hybrid electric truck, as a basis for choosing environmentally friendly mining truck power systems.

Determination of the Optimal Operating Mode of Main Surface Fans during Non-Working Days to Save Electricity at Khe Cham I Coal Mine, TKV- Ha Long Coal Company

Xuan Ha Tran — 2026-02-12

According to current regulations, underground coal mines must be ventilated continuously, day and night. This means that both the main surface fans and the auxiliary underground fans must operate 24 hours a day. However, in practice, underground coal mines normally do not operate on public holidays, Tet holidays, or Sundays.

On these non-working days, no production activities take place in the mine. Consequently, factors that pollute the air environment and pose risks of gas explosions or coal dust explosions are greatly reduced compared to those in working days. This practice indicates that the main fans do not necessarily need to operate in the same mode as on regular working days to supply fresh air into the mine. The question, therefore, is what operating mode of main fans should be implemented to contribute to reducing coal production costs through electricity savings.

This paper presents the potential for reducing electricity costs by determining the appropriate operating mode of the main fans during non-working days in coal mines.

Petrovietnam’s Growth Model Transformation Based on Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation

Binh Minh Tran — 2026-02-12

In the context of global upheaval and a strong trend toward energy transition, transforming the growth model has become an urgent requirement for the Vietnam National Industry - Energy Group (PetroVietnam). The traditional resource-based growth model is increasingly revealing its limitations. This paper analyzes PetroVietnam’s strategic shift toward a new growth model, driven by core pillars: Science and Technology (S&T), Innovation, and Digital Transformation. The foundation for this transformation is the "Strategy for Science, Technology, and Innovation to 2030, with Orientation to 2050" currently under development.

The paper focuses on key strategic technology directions that PetroVietnam intends to prioritize for development and application, including: optimization of current operations through digital technologies and AI; development of clean energy and green chemicals; decarbonization technologies and circular economy practices; and advanced energy and material technologies.

Additionally, the paper introduces systemic implementation solutions being proposed, particularly the development of the “Petrovietnam Innovation Ecosystem (PIVOT),” to ensure a successful transformation. This approach aims to enhance PetroVietnam’s competitiveness and secure sustainable development in the evolving energy landscape.

Applying Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to Identify Factors Affecting Business Performance at Vinacomin- Mao Khe Coal Company

Thi Mo Nguyen — 2026-02-12

Business performance is an important economic indicator and a valuable source of information for managerial decisions as well as scientific research. Based on a review of studies on factors influencing business performance, this paper employs a quantitative research approach to identify the determinants of business performance at Mao Khe Coal Company – Vinacomin. From the perspective of material flow dynamics, business performance is formed through the stages of production preparation, production, consumption, and outsourcing. The research team used a five-point Likert scale to design a survey questionnaire. After eliminating invalid responses, the collected data were analyzed using Cronbach’s Alpha reliability testing, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), correlation analysis, and regression analysis with SPSS 27 software. The results reveal three groups of factors influencing business performance at Mao Khe Coal Company – Vinacomin, corresponding to production, consumption, and outsourcing activities. The regression analysis is statistically significant at the 0,05 level and explains 68,2% of the variance in business performance. Among these, the production-related factors have the strongest impact, with a standardized coefficient of 0,554, followed by consumption and outsourcing factors.