In Australia, mining of the future according to Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto It has made automation of its platforms one of its priorities. Its new iron ore mine in Kudai-Dari, Australia, in which it has invested 2 billion euros, serves as a technological showcase. For the first time, the mining company will deploy autonomous tank trucks and a digital twin of the mine, updated in real-time to facilitate staff training.

It has already been using trucks and autonomous drills controlled from Perth, 1,500 km from the mine, for several years. And since 2019, a train carrying ore in the Pilbara desert has been moving without a driver. By operating with fewer miners, Rio Tinto aims to increase safety.

Further investments should aim to reduce the mine’s carbon footprint by electrifying its 220-ton dumpers. A less ambitious plan than its neighbor and competitor, Fortescue Metals. The latter plans to transport its iron ore in an energy self-sufficient train. The electricity saved during the descent from the mine to the port will allow the train to ascend empty.

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