Subterranean mines, which have traditionally struggled with internet connectivity issues, are becoming safer and more efficient, as Chinese tech firms are exploring how to use 5G technologies to rejuvenate the sector.

In a mine in Qingdao, Shandong province, an automatic electric locomotive loaded with gold ore runs smoothly as workers on the surface, about 500 meters above the vehicle, monitor operations via real-time video cameras.

This is the first such application of 5G wireless technology in underground mines in China. It is part of the nation's broader push to employ technologies to make the sprawling sector safer.

Liu Pengnan, a technician at Shandong Gold Mining (Laixi) Co, which runs the Qingdao mine, said: "Superfast 5G allows radio signals to pass through thick walls, ceilings and floors. We can access a peak download speed of 800 megabytes per second and an upload speed of 100 Mb/s, making it possible for us to remotely control underground equipment, a big improvement in safety for frontline workers such as me."

The mine was covered by the 5G network in late November thanks to the technological support of Huawei Technologies Co and China Mobile. It offers a glimpse into the willingness among traditional sectors to embrace new technologies and upgrade themselves.

- from ChinaDaily.com.cn