Scania and Fortescue collaborate on autonomous mining road train development

Scania and Fortescue collaborate on autonomous mining road train development
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Sep 30, 2024
Scania and Australian mining company Fortescue have partnered to create a fully integrated autonomous road train system designed to enhance mining operations' sustainability and efficiency.

As the mining sector evolves, autonomous technologies are becoming more prominent, driven by the need for sustainable practices. Scania and Fortescue are now addressing these challenges through their new collaboration.

"By utilizing Scania's extensive experience in supplying trucks to the mining sector and our expertise in autonomous driving, the Road Train solution will reduce the overall mining footprint," explained Manfred Streit, Managing Director of Scania Australia. The autonomous technology will be developed, tested, and validated at Fortescue's iron ore operations located in Christmas Creek, Queensland.

This autonomous system, which incorporates Scania's advanced truck automation technology, will seamlessly integrate with Fortescue's Fleet Management System (FMS). The FMS aims to optimize the fleet's performance, increase productivity, and promote more efficient fuel and energy consumption to lower carbon emissions. The project will feature Scania's onboard automation hardware and technology for the Scania R770 prime mover platform, connected to three trailers carrying a combined payload of 240 tonnes.

"This is a great opportunity for Scania to gain more insights into autonomous operations under extreme conditions with an innovative partner," said Peter Hafmar, Head of Autonomous Solutions at Scania.

Fortescue Metals Chief Executive Officer, Dino Otranto, also emphasized the benefits: "Our extensive expertise in autonomous haulage has allowed us to jointly create a unique autonomous solution that enables the economic extraction of high-grade satellite deposits. This project will help us enhance productivity through low-cost, efficient solutions within our mining value chain."

Robert Taylor, Head of Mining at Scania Australia, expressed satisfaction with the ongoing collaboration: "Fortescue's heavy haul trucks operate in extremely demanding environments. This new joint solution will significantly improve both efficiency and safety."

Both Scania and Fortescue remain committed to prioritizing safety, improving operational efficiency, and reducing carbon emissions through this partnership.