Mineral Resources (MinRes) is set to pioneer the globe’s first fleet of fully autonomous road trains deep within the vast stretches of Western Australia’s outback. Designed specifically for the Onslow Iron project, this fleet, evolved from a collaboration with Hexagon Autonomous Solutions, stands as a beacon of innovation and safety with unparalleled efficiency.
This groundbreaking venture boasts 120 autonomous triple-trailer vehicles, each designed to haul an impressive 330 tonnes of iron ore. These machines will function remotely, covering a 150km private haul road from the Ken’s Bore mine site straight to the Port of Ashburton, ensuring seamless transport devoid of public road traffic.
Mike Grey, MinRes’ Chief Executive of Mining Services, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are excited to cement our partnership with Hexagon to deliver the world’s first fleet of autonomous road trains, which will be an essential part of Onslow Iron’s safe, efficient and dust-free solution for hauling ore.”
Harnessing the power of automation, these road trains will not only counteract the perils of driver fatigue but also promise slashed operational costs and reduced emissions. Unlocking the dormant potential of West Pilbara’s iron ore deposits, these machines challenge the economic constraints tied to human-operated transport in remote regions.
Upon arrival at the Port of Ashburton, the iron ore finds its resting place in a state-of-the-art 220,000-tonne facility, equipped to maintain negative pressure. Subsequently, 20,000-tonne capacity transhippers ferry the ore to imposing cape-size carriers positioned 40km off the coastline.
Reflecting on the transformational journey, Mr. Grey noted: “It has been an exciting journey, and it is an extremely proud moment to see our autonomous project grow from desktop concept to iron ore reality so quickly.”
Having invested nearly three years into technology testing at MinRes’ Yilgarn iron ore operations facility, Hexagon Autonomous Solutions is equally enthusiastic. Paolo Guglielmini, Hexagon’s CEO, shared, that the alliance with MinRes underscores the unwavering commitment to sculpting a safer and more sustainable industrial future.
With an ambitious target to be fully functional by mid-2024, these autonomous behemoths are geared to annually transport a staggering 35 million tonnes of iron ore.
This stride marks a quantum leap in sustainable, autonomous logistics solutions, signaling the dawn of an era that could witness widespread adaptation across diverse sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.
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