The R&D Center of the State Key Laboratory at China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing) has been established at Pengfei.

Release Date:

2023-08-23

On August 23, the kickoff meeting for the strategic cooperation and joint establishment of a research and development center between the State Key Laboratory of China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing) and Pengfei Group was successfully held at Pengfei’s headquarters, marking a substantive and pivotal step in the strategic partnership between the university and the enterprise. Attending the event—both on-site and via video link—were Academician He Manchao of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Deep Earth at China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), along with the laboratory’s expert team; Ren Lei, Vice Mayor of Lüliang City; Xia Hanqing, Party Secretary and Director of the Lüliang Municipal Science and Technology Bureau; Xue Zhiqiang and Shi Dongshan, Vice Mayors of Xiaoyi City, together with heads of relevant functional departments; and Zheng Peng, Chairman of the Board and President of Pengfei Group, along with responsible leaders from various business units.

At the meeting, the project leaders from both sides presented detailed reports on the overall planning, progress, and performance analysis of the previously established strategic cooperation project between the university and the enterprise, and preliminarily identified research directions centered on mining technologies based primarily on the 110/N00 method. In the presence of all attendees, He Manchao and Zheng Peng, on behalf of the university and the enterprise, unveiled the plaque marking the official launch of the jointly established R&D center.

Zheng Peng stated that, as Pengfei’s coal‑industry portfolio continues to expand, it has become increasingly clear that coal extraction must begin with thorough exploration. The various coal enterprises under the Pengfei Group operate in geographically distinct settings—each characterized by unique topography, landforms, and geological conditions—making it imperative to establish a highly specialized team proficient in rock mechanics to ensure safe production and stable operations across the coal sector. The 110/N00 mining method, pioneered by Academician He Manchao, aligns closely with national industry‑standard technical requirements and represents a significant innovation for advancing safe, efficient, resource‑conserving, and environmentally sustainable mining practices. It is hoped that, under the guidance of esteemed experts and academicians, Pengfei will leverage cutting‑edge technologies to drive transformative changes in coal‑mining methodologies, foster synergistic development between coal and hydrogen, and serve as a leading model for advancing and innovating coal‑extraction technologies throughout the province.

Xue Zhiqiang pointed out that the strategic cooperation between the university and the enterprise to jointly establish a research and development center is both an urgent need for Pengfei Group to enhance the innovation capabilities of its talent pool and strengthen its competitive edge, and a powerful measure for China University of Mining and Technology to accelerate the commercialization of scientific and technological innovations. This collaboration has opened a bridge for communication, a pathway for cooperation, and a road of friendship between Shanxi Province and China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing). The Party Committee and the People’s Government of Xiaoyi City will actively foster a more favorable external environment for this partnership, thereby elevating the university–enterprise collaboration in scientific and technological innovation to a new level.

He Manchao compared the differences between the traditional 121 and 110 mining methods, pointing out that the 110 method holds practical significance for saving lives, conserving resources, and protecting the environment, and is also an inevitable choice for helping the country achieve its “dual carbon” goals. Looking ahead, coal energy will continue to serve as a stabilizing force and a cornerstone within the national energy system. Pengfei must remain confident in its development, focus on strengthening its capacity for scientific and technological innovation, and take the lead in driving innovative growth among energy enterprises. He Manchao also elaborated on key aspects of project collaboration, potential challenges, and performance indicators, clearly defining the R&D center’s priority tasks for the future. He praised Pengfei as a company with a strong sense of national responsibility, committed to addressing the needs of our times, and aspiring to lofty ideals. He expressed his hope that both the university and the enterprise would work together to truly transform high‑carbon energy into zero‑carbon emissions, leaving a beautiful home for future generations.

Ren Lei extended warm congratulations to both the university and the enterprise on jointly establishing the R&D center, emphasizing that this collaboration is of extraordinary significance. He underscored that the future development of the coal industry must—and will—follow the path of science and technology and innovation. He expressed the hope that Pengfei, leveraging the “strongest minds” to pool technical expertise, will fully capitalize on the respective strengths of both the university and the enterprise, thereby building a new, sustainably developed modern coal-energy base. This initiative will serve as a positive model, driving technological advancement, innovative growth, and transformative development within energy enterprises, and making an even greater contribution to the low-carbon transition of the entire sector. The Lüliang Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government, for their part, will continue to strengthen support, providing comprehensive safeguards for university–enterprise cooperation and scientific and technological innovation.