During the recent investor tour of its operations, Fortescue Metals Group had some further interesting insights into its autonomy journey. One particularly interesting statistic that reflects how the autonomous mining world has changed, is that it together with Caterpillar has cut conversion of 793F trucks to autonomous operation from 21 to only 8 days. The company has also completed its first conversion of a Komatsu 930E integrated to the Caterpillar MineStar system.

FMG also said that it is now seeing 32% productivity improvements with autonomous trucking. Overall in its Chichester Hub operations, it is now running 34 autonomous 793Fs at Christmas Creek, while retrofits are commencing at Cloudbreak mine. Autonomy will roll out across all its operations by end 2019.

With autonomous drills, FMG says it is achieving 30% higher drill hours and consistent penetration rates compared to manned equivalent as well as a 20% reduction in the number of drills required.

Finally its relocatable conveyor, supplied by RCR Tomlinson, which just sadly entered administration, has given greater flexibility and increased accessibility to other orebodies. Consisting of relocatable modules and crushers, it achieved full capacity within 14 days and is adaptable to other Fortescue operations. The company estimates it has replaced 12 manned trucks.