On the afternoon of October 15, at the track incline in the No. 7 Mining Area of Yuandian No. 2 Mine of Huaibei Mining Group, with the final rotation of the shield machine's cutterhead, the "Huaidun No. 1" shield tunneling operation line achieved a precise breakthrough. This is not only a revolutionary victory for Yuandian No. 2 Mine, but also of far-reaching significance for advancing the high-quality development of Huaibei Mining Group. It successfully pioneered shield construction under extremely complex geological conditions in the Huaibei mining area, marking the start of a new era for rock roadway excavation at Huaibei Mining.

The "Huaidun No. 1" shield tunneling operation line faced complex fault structures, rapid lithological changes, and large construction angles. Adhering to the concept that "the more complex the conditions, the more equipment must be used," Huaibei Mining Group boldly emancipated its thinking, actively cooperated with the shield machine manufacturer, and repeatedly studied and formulated implementation plans. On November 13, 2019, the "Huaidun No. 1" shield machine entered the Yuandian No. 2 Mine.

From its official operation on December 18, 2019, to the precise breakthrough on October 15, 2021, the "Huaidun No. 1" shield machine completed a cumulative 3,216 meters of construction, with a comprehensive single-head advance of 160.8 meters per month (no construction was carried out for two months in early 2020 due to the pandemic), and a maximum monthly single-head advance of 295 meters. Compared with the comprehensive single-head advance of 80 meters per month for adjacent roadways using comprehensive excavation, the rock roadway advance level doubled, and the main project broke through 15 months ahead of schedule, safeguarding the mine's lifeline.

During the construction of "Huaidun No. 1," relevant departments of the company's headquarters coordinated overall efforts, while Yuandian No. 2 Mine and the Engineering Division worked in unity and close cooperation, daring to lead, daring to explore, and daring to succeed. Overcoming obstacles along the way, they successively set "Huai Mining records" of 260 meters and 286 meters of monthly advance, and even 295 meters under extreme construction conditions on a 19-degree incline.

"The precise breakthrough of the 'Huaidun No. 1' shield tunneling operation line has achieved 'three revolutionary breakthroughs' in single-head advance, production process, and mindset." According to reports, compared with the alternating operation mode of traditional excavation processes (drill-and-blast and comprehensive excavation), shield construction personnel work under supported roof, completely eliminating unsupported roof operations and ensuring high safety performance. Especially in long-distance incline excavation with large gradients, the safety protection of the face and sidewalls is superior to comprehensive excavation construction. At the same time, the "Huaidun No. 1" shield machine integrates excavation, mucking, support, dust removal, and guidance functions, achieving parallel operation and centralized control of excavation, support, loading, and transport processes.

It is understood that shield construction has advantages such as high automation, reliable processes, and low manpower requirements. The equipment is equipped with technologies such as an automatic guidance and positioning system, sensors, and an automatic fault identification system, allowing operators to complete monitoring, operation, and running of the entire machine in the control room. In addition, the cutterhead is equipped with spray nozzles, which can both reduce dust and lower temperature, truly achieving clean production and safeguarding employees' health and life safety.

"During the construction of 'Huaidun No. 1,' Huaibei Mining Group focused on strengthening on-site management and increasing technological innovation, innovatively proposing 11 shield machine adaptability modification plans, and overcoming technical difficulties such as shield tunneling through faults, long-distance roadway turning construction and continuous transport, rapid container transport, shield construction on steep inclines, and long-distance shotcrete spraying.