Epiroc Secures Largest Automation Order from Roy Hill
Mining company Epiroc has received its largest automation order to date from Australian operations Roy Hill. The order involves converting the mine's haul trucks to driverless operation.
Epiroc, a productivity and sustainability partner for the mining and infrastructure industries, has secured its largest automation order ever from Australian mining company Roy Hill. The contract involves converting the mine's fleet of haul trucks to driverless operation, aiming to establish the world's largest single autonomous mine.
The order, booked in the first quarter of 2023, is valued at approximately AUD 70 million (around SEK 500 million). It covers a portion of the 96 haul trucks that will ultimately be converted to autonomous operation. Roy Hill plans to convert both Caterpillar and Hitachi trucks, with the project also including over 200 modified ancillary vehicles.
This project is already underway and is expected to continue through 2024. Roy Hill aims for significant improvements in both safety and productivity. The mine has previously reported that autonomous trucks are operating 24/7 in a dedicated autonomous zone and are meeting desired safety and productivity metrics.
Epiroc is undertaking this project in collaboration with ASI Mining, in which Epiroc holds a majority stake. Company CEO Helena Hedblom highlighted the order's importance for safety and productivity gains. Roy Hill's mine is located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.