Roy Hill will control the world largest autonomous fleet from its Remote Operations Center in Perth, Australia.
Epiroc has won its largest-ever automation order, for the work to convert Roy Hill’s mixed fleet of haul trucks to driverless operation in Australia. The ongoing work will create the world’s largest single autonomous mine.
On January 12, 2023, Epiroc together with ASI Mining announced they would continue to support Roy Hill’s iron ore mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, to develop an autonomous haul truck solution that is interoperable and scalable regardless of manufacturer, so-called Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) agnostic. Epiroc has now received a significant order for this project, the largest size it has received so far for automation work.
The order, booked in the first quarter 2023, is valued at approximately $47.5 million and covers a portion of the 96 haul trucks that ultimately will be converted. Additional orders related to the project will be booked in the future. The project is expected to run until 2024.
“We are very excited about supporting Roy Hill in the work to create the world’s largest single autonomous mine,” said Helena Hedblom, president and CEO, Epiroc. “The benefits for both safety and productivity will be substantial.”
The project’s progressive expansion will see autonomous haul truck numbers grow steadily from March 2023 and throughout 2024. The fleet will ultimately comprise 54 Cat trucks and 42 Hitachi trucks. In addition, more than 200 modified ancillary vehicles will interact with autonomous haul trucks.
