Modular Mining Systems is a key member of the strategic alliance between Komatsu, Rio Tinto, and Modular, that is working to deliver the world’s first large-scale commercial deployment of Autonomous Haulage Systems (AHS). Following the November 1 agreement between Komatsu and Rio Tinto to implement 150 autonomous haul trucks by the end of 2015, Modular will assist in the implementation of the AHS at Rio Tinto’s Yandicoogina mine in Western Australia. The mine will receive a new fleet of Komatsu 930E-AT autonomous haul trucks in addition to the test fleet relocated from Rio Tinto’s West Angelas mine, which has been operating there successfully since December 2008 as part of Rio Tinto’s Mine of the Future program. The AHS at Yandicoogina is expected to be fully operational by early 2012.

From the outset, Modular states that autonomous haulage has been an important part of its relationship with its parent company, Komatsu. Modular has worked closely with Komatsu, Komatsu America, Komatsu Australia, and Rio Tinto Iron Ore to develop and implement the AHS into the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Modular’s contribution to the Komatsu AHS includes the supervisory system, operational intelligence, communications infrastructure, operational reporting, and vehicle-interaction safety technologies. The statement continued: “Autonomous haulage is the logical and important next step towards increasing productivity and safety, reducing maintenance costs and environmental impacts, and creating high-tech jobs in the mining industry.”

Modular Co-Founder and Chairman, James White, said of the deployment: “This is a major milestone for all involved with the AHS. The system is no longer a research project, but a field-proven commercial product. This is not the end of the journey-it is the beginning of an exciting new phase.” Modular CEO and President, Luiz Steinberg, said, “This breakthrough in mining could not have happened without the widespread collaboration of all partners involved. Our AHS team has contributed over 15 years of hard work to help make this product a reality. It’s a proud moment for Modular to be affiliated with the world’s leading provider of autonomous haulage.”