Scania, a well-known truck manufacturer, and Fortescue, an Australian mining company, partnered to develop a new, fully autonomous truck system designed to operate in mines
The partnership harnesses Scania’s robust experience in the mining sector alongside Fortescue’s advanced autonomous technology. Together, they are set to develop, test, and validate an autonomous road train at Fortescue’s Christmas Creek iron ore operations in Queensland, Australia.
Manfred Streit, Managing Director at Scania Australia, highlighted the sustainability aspect of the project. “By utilising Scania’s extensive knowledge in supplying trucks to the mining industry and our expertise in autonomous driving, the Road Train solution will reduce the overall mining footprint,” he stated.
The initiative seeks to integrate Scania’s highly developed truck automation technology with Fortescue’s Fleet Management System (FMS), which optimizes fleet performance and maximizes productivity.
The planned autonomous road train will consist of the Scania R770 prime mover and three trailers, capable of carrying a combined payload of 240 tonnes. “This is a great opportunity for Scania to learn more about autonomy in demanding conditions with an innovative partner,” noted Peter Hafmar, Head of Autonomous Solutions at Scania.
Dino Otranto, Chief Executive Officer at Fortescue Metals, highlighted the strategic benefits of the project. “Our deep expertise in autonomous haulage has enabled us to jointly develop a unique autonomous solution that unlocks high grade, satellite deposits for us to mine economically. This project will help us maximise productivity with unique low-cost solutions in our mining value chain,” he explained.
The initiative reflects both companies’ dedication to innovation, with a keen focus on safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability. “Their heavy haul trucks operate in an incredibly harsh environment. The local and global mining specialists have devised a solution that will bring efficiency and safety,” added Robert Taylor, Head of Mining at Scania Australia.
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