Autonomous road trail for the mining industry aims to boost sustainability and fleet optimization

Scania and Fortescue have agreed to jointly develop a fully integrated autonomous road train concept. The autonomous solution will be developed, tested, and validated in partnership at Fortescue's iron ore operations in Christmas Creek, Queensland. 

"By utilizing Scania's extensive knowledge in supplying trucks to the mining industry and our expertise in autonomous driving, the road train solution will reduce the overall mining footprint," says Manfred Streit, managing director at Scania Australia. 

Autonomous technology integrated with a fleet management system

Scania's established autonomous technologies for trucking will be integrated with Fortescue's fleet management system, designed to optimize fleet utilization and maximize productivity, while ensuring efficient fuel and energy consumption to reduce carbon emissions. 

"Our deep expertise in autonomous haulage has enabled us to jointly develop a unique autonomous solution that unlocks high grade, satellite deposits for us to mine economically," says Fortescue Metals CEO, Dino Otranto. This project will help us maximize productivity with unique low-cost solutions in our mining value chain." 

The solution will also integrate Scania's onboard automation hardware and technology for the Scania R770 prime mover platform, coupled with three trailers weighing 120 tons, with a payload of 240 tons. "This is a great opportunity for Scania to learn more about autonomy in demanding conditions with an innovative partner," says Peter Hafmar, head of autonomous solutions for Scania.