Autonomous Trucks
The modelled mine operating with a fleet of autonomous 40-ton haul trucks they say would realise a 31% greater NPV than if the mine were operated with a fleet of manually driven 100-ton off-road haul trucks. One theorised flaw in the small truck logic was the prospect of traffic congestion caused by the increase in the number of trucks operating in the mine, potentially overcoming the efficiency gains of small truck and automation. In the study’s simulations, such traffic congestion did not materialise, according to Pronto and Whittle Consulting. “The industry has long debated whether mining economics shift to favour smaller trucks when autonomous,” said Gerald Whittle, CEO, Whittle Consulting. Both conclusions are consistent with industry experience and past studies, including Whittle Consulting’s 2018 Autonomous Haulage Report.