AI is revolutionizing Chinese coal production, and blowing up labor models everywhere else

by Inside China Business [12-29-2025].

Coal prices are in steep decline across the world, and that should translate to collapsing profitability for coal miners.

But China's blue-collar industries are rapidly adopting Artificial Intelligence and 5G smart systems across its operations, and are enjoying booming profits.

ZTE and Huawei build 5G systems in Chinese mines, which allow for autonomous driving, robots, and drones--even underground.

This poses a serious challenge for competitors in extractive industries outside China: they need to invest heavily in autonomous operations themselves, but Chinese firms like ZTE and Huawei own the supply chains for 5G telecom systems.

Closing scene, Changsha

Coal still accounted for nearly 60% of China's electricity supply in 2023: CEC [1-31-2024]

China’s AI Revolution Reshapes Coal Industry Profitability [4-11-2025]

Smart Mining: 5G Transforming Coal Production [1-1-2021]

How AI revolution is making a Chinese coal mine turn more profits than an investment bank [3-31-2025]

How AI Revolution is Making a Chinese Coal Mine Turn More Profits Than an Investment Bank [3-31-2025]

US Bans Huawei, ZTE Equipment Sales, Citing National Security Risk [11-25-2022]

FCC Bans Sale of New Devices From Chinese Companies Huawei, ZTE and Others [11-28-2022]