The State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Deep Metal Mining and Equipment was officially approved for establishment in December 2024. Led by Northeastern University, the laboratory is jointly established in collaboration with Northern Heavy Industries Group and Shaoxing University. 

Aligned with China's national strategies for deep earth exploration and mineral resource security, the laboratory focuses on addressing critical scientific and technological challenges associated with deep metal resource exploitation. Its primary research areas include: (1) the fundamental theories and technologies for fully continuous, green, and efficient extraction of deep metal resources; (2) the mechanisms, prediction, and intelligent prevention of mining-induced hazards in deep underground engineering; and (3) high-temperature thermal hazard control and environmental management in deep mining environments. 

The laboratory is dedicated to overcoming key technological bottlenecks that constrain the secure and sustainable development of China's strategic mineral resources. It is committed to developing a new generation of intelligent rock-breaking, excavation, and mining equipment with independent intellectual property rights. Through interdisciplinary innovation, the laboratory aims to establish a comprehensive theoretical, technological, and equipment framework for deep resource exploitation.

With a vision to serve as a national strategic scientific and technological force, the laboratory strives to become a world-class innovation center distinguished by its capacity for original innovation, international academic influence, leadership in disciplinary development, and strong support for national strategic needs and socioeconomic development. 

The laboratory is directed by Professor Xiating Feng, President of Northeastern University and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. Its research team consists primarily of outstanding early-career and mid-career scholars, including several nationally recognized leading talents and recipients of national young talent programs.

The laboratory is built upon the strong research foundation of the Key Laboratory of Safe Mining in Deep Metal Mines of the Ministry of Education. Over the years, it has received 13 national science and technology awards and more than 70 provincial- and ministerial-level first and grand prizes in science and technology. The laboratory has undertaken over 200 major research projects, including those funded by the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program), the National High-Tech Research and Development Program (863 Program), the National Key R&D Program of China, the National Science and Technology Support Program, and the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Additional support has been provided through prestigious funding schemes such as the Distinguished Young Scholars Fund, the Excellent Young Scientists Fund, the major international cooperation programs, and large-scale industry-sponsored research initiatives.  

To date, the laboratory has been granted more than 200 Chinese invention patents and over 20 international patents, reflecting its strong commitment to technological innovation and the translation of research outcomes into practical applications. Through continued scientific excellence and technological advancement, the laboratory is poised to play a leading role in shaping the future of intelligent deep mining and ensuring the sustainable utilization of strategic mineral resources.