Scania and Rio Tinto agree to develop autonomous haulage solutions supporting a pathway to lower emissions mining

Rhea-AI Summary

Rio Tinto has partnered with Scania to develop agile autonomous haul trucks in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, aiming for environmental and productivity benefits. This collaboration marks the Channar mine as the first active site for Scania’s technology, which includes future electric vehicle options. Trials commenced in April 2022, achieving driverless operations swiftly. Rio Tinto plans to phase out new diesel trucks by 2030, enhancing decarbonization efforts while potentially lowering capital and operating expenses through improved efficiency.

Positive

• Collaboration with Scania for autonomous trucks may enhance operational efficiency.
• First partnership site at Channar mine underscores commitment to innovation.
• Plans to phase out new diesel trucks by 2030 support climate action goals.
• Potential reduction in capital and operating expenses through Scania's technology.

Negative

• None.

MELBOURNE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Scania and Rio Tinto are developing more agile autonomous haul trucks at a mine in Western Australia’s Pilbara region to pursue potential environmental and productivity benefits.

A Scania autonomous truck is loaded at Rio Tinto's Channar iron ore mine in Western Australia's Pilbara region (Photo: Business Wire)

The two companies have established a long-term research and development collaboration agreement for the continuous advancement of this autonomous technology, under which Rio Tinto's Channar mine has become the first active partner site for Scania’s autonomous mining solution. The partnership also includes options for the future transition to electric-powered vehicles.

Rio Tinto and Scania launched new trials on Scania’s 40-tonne-payload autonomous mining trucks in April 2022 and quickly reached a key milestone of driverless operation in a simulated load and haul cycle environment.

Rio Tinto Group Technical Managing Director Santi Pal said “Rio Tinto is excited to partner with Scania to develop a mining solution which will create optionality across our diverse portfolio. Collaboration and partnership is key to reimagining mining in the future.”

“Our climate action plan includes phasing out the purchase of new diesel haul trucks by 2030, and partnering with industry leaders, such as Scania, across a range of fields, is an important step towards achieving that. As well as the potential decarbonisation benefits, this partnership provides a path to potential productivity improvements.”

Scania Vice President & Head of Autonomous Solutions Peter Hafmar said “With its dedication to achieving cleaner, more energy-efficient operations, Rio Tinto is the ideal partner and first customer for Scania as we seek to put mining on a pathway to net zero emissions. This is a major step towards the goals of a sustainable autonomous mining solution, and builds on our already fruitful long-term collaboration.”

Scania’s trucks have potential advantages over traditional heavy haulage trucks, both in terms of emissions and productivity.

In utilising Scania’s autonomous mining trucks, energy requirements, mining footprint and infrastructure requirements can be reduced, meaning that capital and operating expenses may also be reduced at suitable sites.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221013005604/en/

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Category: Pilbara

Source: Rio Tinto

FAQ

What is the partnership between Rio Tinto and Scania about?

Rio Tinto and Scania are collaborating to develop autonomous haul trucks in Western Australia's Pilbara region to improve productivity and reduce environmental impact.

When did Rio Tinto and Scania start their trials for autonomous trucks?

The trials for Scania's autonomous trucks began in April 2022 at Rio Tinto's Channar mine.

What are Rio Tinto's climate action plans regarding haul trucks?

Rio Tinto plans to phase out the purchase of new diesel haul trucks by 2030 as part of its climate action strategy.

What benefits do Scania's trucks offer over traditional haulage trucks?

Scania's autonomous trucks may provide advantages in emissions reduction and improved productivity while lowering overall energy and operational costs.

What is the symbol for Rio Tinto on the London Stock Exchange?

The stock symbol for Rio Tinto on the London Stock Exchange is RIO.