Rio Tinto has achieved the first delivery of iron ore by an autonomous train in the Pilbara, Western Australia.
The self-sufficient train consists of three locomotives and can carry up to 28,000 tonnes of iron ore. The train travelled over 280 kilometres from Rio Tinto’s mining operations in Tom Price to the port of Cape Lambert last week. The autonomous train was monitored remotely by Rio Tinto operators over 1,500 kilometres away. Rio Tinto currently records over eight million kilometres of train travel each year.
The journey is a significant milestone for the company and their $940 Million AutoHaul™ programme, which is on schedule to be complete by the end of the year. Once commissioned, the network will be the world’s first heavy haul, long distance autonomous rail operation.
The average return distance of these trains is about 800 kilometres with the average journey cycle, including loading and dumping, taking about 40 hours. The AutoHaul™ programme will unlock safety and productivity gains for the business once complete, improving Rio Tinto’s iron ore system production and reducing bottlenecks.
“The safe first delivery of iron ore by an autonomous train is a key milestone for AutoHaul™. The programme will deliver the world’s first fully autonomous, long-distance, heavy-haul rail network, operating the world’s largest and longest robots,” announced Rio Tinto Iron Ore Managing Director (Rail, Port & Core Services), Ivan Vella.
“This programme symbolises both the pioneering spirit and innovative talents of many people across Rio Tinto and shows our absolute commitment to improving safety and productivity, as well as enabling greater flexibility across our operations.”
Rio Tinto has also commented that they will continue to ensure their autonomous trains safely operate under the wide range of conditions that are commonly experienced in the Pilbara.
“We are working closely with drivers during this transition period as we prepare our employees for new ways of working as a result of automation,” Vella said.
