Autonomous Roadtrains announced for the Pilbara

Mineral Resources (MRL) has announced a partnership with automation specialist, Hexagon, to develop an autonomous road train solution as part of their mining services infrastructure supply chain solution that is key to unlocking stranded tonnes in the Pilbara.

MRL is renowned for providing innovative and low-cost solutions across the mining infrastructure supply chain and the autonomous road trains will form an essential part of the cost-efficient supply chain for the Ashburton Hub Iron Ore Project.

To support the development of the 30Mtpa Ashburton Hub, MRL plan to run a fleet of 425 tonne Gross Combination Mass (GCM), triple-trailer road trains operating across multiple convoys, with each road train convoy consisting of up to five prime mover trucks, with three trailers each, hauling the ore from the mine-site to the Port of Ashburton.

The autonomous road train solution integrates Hexagon’s drive-by-wire technology with an autonomous management system to orchestrate vehicle movement. A successful pilot project is underway at their Yilgarn operations using 385 tonne GCM triple-trailer road trains, which have been tailored for the specific economic constraints of iron ore and other bulk commodities.

During the next two years, the testing will continue, ramping up to 425 tonne GCM in

time for the Ashburton Hub Project.

An autonomous road train configuration of this scale is a world-first and reflects MRL’s approach to continuous improvement and innovation. MRL will initially adopt the technology for their own operations, with a view to offering the solution to their large Tier One customer base, further growing MRL’s mining services business.

Mike Grey, MRL’s Chief Executive – Mining Services, said, “MRL has always been at the forefront of providing innovative and low-cost mining services solutions.

“In recent years, we have implemented a number of new technologies which have enhanced the safety and operational efficiency

of our long-distance road train haulage fleet, reducing the risks of driver fatigue and increasing fleet availability. The autonomous road trains will take us to the next level again. They provide a safe, cost-efficient solution for hauling ore, which is key to unlocking stranded tonnes in the Pilbara.”

A fleet of 425 GCM, Autonomous triple road trains, across multiple convoys (five prime mover with three trailers each per convoy) hauling the ore from the mine to the Port of Ashburton

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