Rio Tinto will run the world’s first automated long-distance heavy-haul rail network, with a $518 million investment in driverless trains.
The first driverless train will be launched in 2014, with the AutoHaulTM automated train programme scheduled for completion a year later.
AutoHaulTM is being pioneered as part of the automation component of Rio Tinto’s Mine of the FutureTM initiative that also includes driverless trucks and autonomous drills.
On its 1,500-kilometre rail network, Rio Tinto currently runs 41 trains from mines to ports, comprising 148 locomotives and 9,400 iron ore cars.
Automating train operations allows Rio Tinto to ‘expand Pilbara production capacity without needing to make a substantial investment in additional trains’.
Rio Tinto chief executive Australia and Iron Ore Sam Walsh said:
“Expanding Pilbara iron ore production is a high-return and low-risk investment for Rio Tinto that will enhance shareholder value. Automation will help us meet our expansion targets in a safe, more efficient and cost-effective way.”
AutoHaulTM and the overall expansion of rail operations are subject to a number of State Government and other approvals.
