In February 2020, Epiroc signed a contract with Roy Hill to deliver a fully automated truck solution at the world class Pilbara iron ore mine. ASI Mining was then subcontracted for the delivery in terms of the technology and subsystems. This was to be done as a phased introduction with an initial phase, followed by a full fleet phase.
Fast forward to 2023, and in February, Roy Hill, ASI Mining and Epiroc all announced the completion of the initial Product Verification Phase. This phase included key performance indicator verification of efficiency, productivity and AHS availability using a fleet of 10 haul trucks running 24/7 in a dedicated autonomous operating zone, interacting safely with two excavators and numerous ancillary vehicles at intersections, waste dumps and load areas. The autonomous fleet is meeting desired safety and productivity metrics and achieving higher productivity than the conventional haul trucks, a key objective of the program.
Epiroc has now formally booked in the full fleet phase which represents its largest-ever automation order. The order, booked in the first quarter 2023, is valued at approximately A$70 million (MSEK500). This covers a portion of the 96 haul trucks that ultimately will be converted. Additional orders related to the project will be booked in the future. The project is expected to run until 2024 and will be implemented together with ASI Mining, which remains 34% owned by Epiroc.
The project’s progressive expansion will see autonomous haul truck numbers grow steadily from March 2023 and throughout 2023. The fleet will ultimately comprise 54 Caterpillar trucks and 42 Hitachi trucks. In addition, more than 200 modified ancillary vehicles will interact with the autonomous haul trucks.
“We are very excited about supporting Roy Hill in the work to create the world’s largest single autonomous mine,” says Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO. “The benefits for both safety and productivity will be substantial.”
“Roy Hill, led by its Executive Chairman Mrs Gina Rinehart AO, is a true pioneer and will set a new gold standard for autonomous surface mining, and our team working on this is doing an excellent job,” says Jose Sanchez, President of Epiroc’s Surface division.
