A mining machine works at the Huayang No. 2 Coal Mine in Yangquan City, north China's Shanxi Province, Aug. 1, 2024.
(Xinhua/Li Xin) TAIYUAN, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Before descending over 400 meters underground into this coal mine in north China's Shanxi Province, the first thing I noticed was the newly designed work attire. These uniforms are made of 100 percent cotton to prevent static electricity, with multiple sections reinforced with special materials to enhance tear resistance.
Reflective strips are added on clothes to ensure visibility in low-light conditions, and steel bars are installed in the boots to protect against crushing. Ahead of entering the Huayang No.2 Coal Mine in Yangquan City, I donned the uniform.
I was told the design had been tailored based on feedback and suggestions from the employees. After a safety briefing, I joined some coal miners on a 20-minute bus ride to a vertical shaft. We descended 415 meters to the bottom of the mine in about a minute using a cage-shaped elevator.
My first impression of the coal mine was vastly different from what I had imagined. Rather than being dark, sultry and dusty, the environment was fresh and clean, with a cool breeze continually blowing in. Bright lights illuminated the underground alley.
Zhang Xuefeng, vice production manager of the coal mine, told me that a system of air and liquid pipes eliminates dust through water spraying and atomization, while three sets of electric motors are used to ensure sufficient lighti.