Scania and Rio Tinto are developing more maneuverable autonomous transporters in a mine Western Australia Pilbara Region to pursue potential environmental and productivity benefits.
SODERTALJE, Sweden, October 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The two companies have entered into a long-term R&D collaboration agreement to continuously advance this autonomous technology, with Rio Tinto’s Channar mine becoming the first active partner site for Scania’s autonomous mining solution. The partnership also includes options for the future transition to electric vehicles.
Rio Tinto and Scania have launched new trials of Scania’s 40-ton autonomous haul trucks April 2022 and quickly reached an important milestone of driverless operation in a simulated loading and transport cycle environment.
Technical Director of the Rio Tinto Group Santi Pal said: “Rio Tinto is pleased to be working with Scania to develop a mining solution that will create options for our diverse portfolio. Collaboration and partnership are key to reshaping mining in the future.”
“Our climate action plan envisages phasing out new diesel truck purchases by 2030 and partnering with industry leaders like Scania in a number of areas is an important step towards achieving this. In addition to the potential benefits of decarbonization, this partnership offers a pathway to potential productivity gains.”
Scania Vice President and Head of Autonomous Solutions Peter Hafmar said: “Rio Tinto’s commitment to cleaner and more energy efficient operations makes it the ideal partner and first customer for Scania as we strive to move mining towards net-zero emissions bring. This is an important step towards the goals of a sustainable autonomous mining solution and builds on our already fruitful long-term collaboration.”
Scania’s trucks have potential advantages over traditional heavy-duty trucks, both in terms of…
