The testing of the driverless trucks further supports the group’s autonomous road train project
Mineral Resources has released an update on its autonomous road train project, saying it completed a world-first success from a platoon hauling 900 tonnes of iron ore.
Originally announced late last year, the autonomous road trains project took another step forward when the WA mining services company successfully tested the technology at Mineral Resources’ Yilgarn operations.
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Mineral Resources recently transported 900 tonnes of iron ore on three autonomous road trains
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The test involved three triple-trailer road trains each carrying loads of 300 tonnes, with only the lead road train in the platoon requiring a driver in the cabin to transport the load.
“It’s been an exciting journey over the past year and we’ve now achieved a world-first platoon of three autonomous road trains, which is a game changer for us,” Mining Resources chief executive Mike Grey says.
“It’s an extremely proud moment to see our autonomous project grow from desktop concept to iron ore reality so quickly.”
The project is being undertaken in partnership with autonomous solution specialists Hexagon, with the pair wanting to enable pit-to-port capabilities at Mineral Resources’ Ashburton hub project.
These autonomous road trains, even when testing is completed, won’t be travelling on public roads, with the plan being to use these road trains in platoons of four with a driver occupying the front vehicle.
“As we get ready for the Ashburton hub iron ore project and look to unlock stranded tonnes of iron ore, our autonomous road trains will be the vital link between the pit and the port,” Grey says.
“As the first of its kind in the world, it opens up new opportunities for us as we can trial the technology ourselves before offering it to our tier one customers.”
Mineral Resources says there are numerous advantages to the autonomous haulage idea.
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According to the group, the removal of driver fatigue-associated safety risks, being able to service a variety of satellite pits that can shift over time and the potential to unlock deposits that would previously have been economically unviable are all benefits for the project.
By unlocking these deposits, Mineral Resources says there will be more new jobs created in the mining and transport sectors.
Automation projects like Rio Tinto’s autonomous heavy haul railway system have formed a key part of the WA mining and resources sector over the past decade.
Companies like FMG have also tried its hand at driverless and autonomous truck technologies, with Mineral Resources securing a world-first by hauling more than 900 tonnes over three road trains.
The autonomous road trains pilot project has been underway since late 2021 at Mining Resources’ Yilgarn iron ore operations.
Once complete, the autonomous road trains will form an essential part of the cost-efficient supply chain unlocking resources in the Pilbara region as part of the Ashburton hub project.
Mineral Resources says it’s introduced technologies recently to enhance safety and the operational efficiency of long-distance road train haulage fleet, with the autonomous project being the next step in progression.