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����������� 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.

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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 �����������’s autonomous mining solution. The partnership also includes options for the future transition to electric-powered vehicles.

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Rio Tinto and ����������� launched new trials on �����������’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.

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

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“Our climate action plan includes phasing out the purchase of new diesel haul trucks by 2030, and partnering with industry leaders, such as �����������, 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.”

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����������� 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 ����������� 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.”

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

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Utilising �����������’s autonomous mining trucks will reduce Rio’s energy requirements, its’ mining footprint and infrastructure requirements, meaning capital and operating expenses may also be reduced at suitable sites.

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