Bcakground Underground coal mine tunnel drilling is an indispensable and critical means for achieving safe and efficient coal mining, precise disaster prevention and control, and geological transparency in mines. This paper systematically reviews the 50-year development history of underground coal mine tunnel drilling technology and equipment in China, a journey that has evolved from technology introduction to independent innovation, and from following to keeping pace with and even leading the world.

Progress The article begins by elaborating on the important status of coal resources in the national energy structure and the challenges posed by complex geological conditions to coal mine safety production, thereby clarifying the significant role of tunnel drilling in gas drainage, water hazard control, and geological exploration. On this basis, the paper outlines a series of breakthroughs and representative achievements in China from four technical dimensions: rotary drilling, directional drilling, intelligent drilling, and special drilling. It covers aspects such as tunnel drilling rigs, measurement-while-drilling (MWD) systems, special drilling tools, and drilling technologies. The paper summarizes the technological evolution path from "uncontrolled drilling" to "precise directional drilling," from "geometric steering" to "geosteering," and from "manual operation" to "intelligent operation." Furthermore, the paper introduces the construction progress of drilling rig test platforms and their supporting role in technological innovation.

Prospect  Looking ahead, underground coal mine tunnel drilling technology will accelerate its development towards intelligence, precision, and unmanned operation. Key breakthroughs are needed in real-time precise perception of complex geological information, high-capacity low-latency data transmission, and multi-objective intelligent collaborative control. Special drilling techniques and equipment suitable for high-stress conditions, soft and broken coal seams, extremely hard rock formations, and high-pressure water-bearing strata should be developed. The technical standard system and product quality evaluation system for underground coal mine drilling need to be improved, promoting the transformation of equipment manufacturing towards high-end, green, and service-oriented development. Through deep integration of cutting-edge technologies such as digital twins, artificial intelligence, and 5G communication, an intelligent operation and maintenance system covering the entire process of “equipment status – process parameters – geological information” will be established, providing solid technical support for smart mine construction and national energy security strategy.