Policy Evolution and Industrial Response in the Intelligent Development of Coal Mines in Yunnan Province

Against the backdrop of the national intelligent coal mine strategy, Yunnan Province has emerged as a significant case for studying industrial transformation in frontier regions, owing to its complex geological conditions and industrial structure dominated by small and medium-sized mines. This paper systematically reviews the intelligent policy framework and practical developments in the province, revealing a three-stage evolution from initial fragmented follow-up, through systematic deployment, to deep integration with green development and industrial upgrading. The study indicates a shift in policy logic from passive response to active innovation, resulting in a localized response model characterized by pragmatic goal-setting and coordinated policy instruments. In practice, driven by distinct logics and resource endowments, state-owned and private coal mines have respectively developed complementary paradigms—the former emphasizing systematic advancement, and the latter prioritizing efficiency. However, widespread adoption still faces challenges such as difficulties in technology adaptation, uneven enterprise capabilities, insufficient integration between systems and management, and a weak local industrial ecosystem. Moving forward, coordinated efforts are needed in targeted policies, adaptive technology, endogenous ecosystem cultivation, and management transformation.