Scania and Fortescue to Develop Cutting-Edge Autonomous Road Train for Mining Efficiency

Scania and Fortescue to Develop Cutting-Edge Autonomous Road Train for Mining Efficiency

(IN BRIEF) Scania and Fortescue have partnered to develop an autonomous road train solution aimed at transforming the mining industry with increased efficiency and sustainability. The collaboration leverages Scania’s advanced truck automation technology and Fortescue’s mining expertise, focusing on reducing carbon emissions and improving fleet utilization. The autonomous system will be integrated with Fortescue’s Fleet Management System and will be tested at Fortescue’s Christmas Creek iron ore operations in Queensland. The road train will feature a Scania R770 prime mover towing three trailers with a combined payload of 240 tonnes. This joint effort not only aims to reduce the overall environmental footprint of mining operations but also offers a solution for maximizing productivity and unlocking previously uneconomical mining sites. Both companies share a commitment to safety, efficiency, and lowering carbon emissions, marking a significant step forward in the application of autonomous technology in harsh mining environments.

(PRESS RELEASE) SÖDERTÄLJE, 27-Sep-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Scania has announced a collaboration with Australian mining company Fortescue to co-develop and validate an autonomous road train solution for the mining industry. This project marks a significant step forward in the adoption of autonomous technology within mining, an industry that is increasingly focused on innovation and sustainability.

Leveraging Scania’s extensive experience in truck automation and its long history of supplying vehicles to the mining sector, the companies aim to reduce the environmental impact of mining operations. Manfred Streit, Managing Director at Scania Australia, explained, “Our Road Train solution, backed by our knowledge in autonomous driving, will help to minimize the mining industry’s footprint.” The technology will be tested and validated at Fortescue’s iron ore site in Christmas Creek, Queensland.

The autonomous road train system will integrate with Fortescue’s Fleet Management System (FMS), which is designed to optimize fleet efficiency and productivity while reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The train will consist of a Scania R770 prime mover equipped with Scania’s autonomous technology and towing three trailers, capable of carrying a combined payload of 240 tonnes. “This partnership allows us to learn more about deploying autonomy in challenging environments, which is crucial for our future solutions,” said Peter Hafmar, Head of Autonomous Solutions at Scania.

Fortescue Metals Chief Executive Officer, Dino Otranto, highlighted the potential of the project to unlock previously uneconomical satellite deposits. “Our expertise in autonomous haulage, combined with Scania’s technological innovations, will enable us to maximize productivity and reduce costs across our mining operations,” Otranto said.

The partnership builds on Scania’s long-standing relationship with Fortescue, with the two companies sharing common goals around operational safety, efficiency, and lowering carbon emissions. Robert Taylor, Head of Mining at Scania Australia, emphasized the challenging conditions of Fortescue’s operations, adding, “The solution we’ve developed with Fortescue addresses both efficiency and safety in one of the toughest environments for heavy haulage trucks.”

Media Contact:

Daniel Schröder
Business Development Manager Autonomous Mining, Scania
Phone: +46 700 810 565
E-mail: daniel.schroder@scania.com

SOURCE: Scania