Shukongping Phosphate Mine's ecological restoration benefits the environment

By Chen Si.

Shukongping Phosphate Mine was recognized as a national exemplary case for ecological restoration in mining areas at the 27th China Mining Conference and Exhibition on Oct. 24, 2025.

The Shukongping Phosphate Mine. Photo by Wang Lei

Shukongping Phosphate Mine, part of Hubei Xingshun New Materials Co., Ltd., has integrated ecological restoration throughout its mining lifecycle.

The project employs a terrace-based greening strategy, planting 14,850 resilient trees, including camphor and magnolia, and 24,062 shrubs like Virginia creeper and azaleas, creating multi-layered vegetation.

To date, 210,600 square meters of soil covering and revegetation have been completed, achieving 100 percent coverage of the greenable area in the mining site, with a vegetation survival rate exceeding 95 percent.

The Shukongping Phosphate Mine. Photo by Wang Lei

The mine has developed an industry-leading intelligent management platform that integrates six functional modules, including VR visualization, intelligent ventilation, and intelligent drainage.

Additionally, 500 high-precision monitoring points have been installed to collect real-time data on mining progress, environmental parameters, and remediation efforts. This data is synchronized to the control center via a network.

The mine also features China's first automatic rock drilling robot, which can autonomously layout holes, drill, and perform self-diagnosis, enhancing remediation efficiency.

It employs a composite mining method that combines backfill mining with shallow-room pillar techniques, creating a closed-loop system for underground and surface restoration. A tailings backfilling station with an annual capacity of 300,000 cubic meters reuses all waste rock and topsoil, achieving 100% goaf treatment and waste utilization rates.