Scania and Australian mining company Fortescue have partnered to develop and test an autonomous road train solution for mining operations. The collaboration will focus on creating a fully integrated system aimed at enhancing sustainability and efficiency in the mining industry.
The road train, featuring Scania’s R770 prime mover platform and three trailers carrying a total payload of 240 tonnes, will be tested at Fortescue’s iron ore operations in Christmas Creek, Queensland. The autonomous system will be integrated with Fortescue’s Fleet Management System (FMS) to optimise fleet performance, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure efficient fuel use.
Manfred Streit, Managing Director at Scania Australia, highlighted the potential to reduce mining’s environmental footprint through this partnership, while Peter Hafmar, Scania’s Head of Autonomous Solutions, sees it as an opportunity to gain valuable insights into autonomy in challenging conditions.
Fortescue CEO Dino Otranto said the project will allow the company to mine high-grade satellite deposits more economically, unlocking greater productivity in their operations. Both companies emphasize shared goals of safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability.
