Bayan Obo mining district in Baotou, Inner Mongolia [Photo/WeChat account of Wenming Bayan Obo]

Bayan Obo mining district in Baotou, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, has seen progress in its 5G construction, after 21 5G base stations were built in the district with an investment of 50 million yuan ($7.39 million), according to Baotou Daily.

The independent 5G networking full coverage demonstration area was launched in Bayan Obo mining district on Sept 16, making the district the autonomous region's first to achieve independent 5G networking full coverage.

As a key new infrastructure supporting the digital, networked, and intelligent transformation of the economy and society, 5G has the advantages of high bandwidth, low latency, and massive connectivity. 5G can be deeply integrated with new technologies such as the industrial internet, big data, and artificial intelligence, which greatly enriches the supporting capabilities of vertical industry applications. 

Bayan Obo mining district in Baotou, Inner Mongolia [Photo/WeChat account of Wenming Bayan Obo]

In 2019, the autonomous region's first 5G phone was dialed from Bayan Obo mining district, and the world's first unmanned 5G mining vehicle was put into operation in the district.

At present, on the basis of 5G mine construction and using a combination of internet plus government services, the district has further established a good sustainable development strategic partnership with mining enterprises to promote the rapid development of commercial 5G use in the mining areas and in regional economic and social development.

According to district officials, at present, 5G has been widely used in both life and production in Bayan Obo mining district. 5G smart mines have effectively improved the efficiency of mining truck operations in special environments and greatly reduced operational risks. The lives of residents have also become more convenient due to 5G smart city construction.