Norwegian mining company uses driverless trucks
The mining company Brønnøy Kalk AS has employed six autonomous trucks for the transport of limestone on a stretch between the mining and crushing plants.
Driverless trucks have been on the market for a while, also from Volvo, who have bragged their automation projects in mining and waste collection. However, the agreement entered into between the Norwegian mining company Brønnøy Kalk AS is Volvo Truck’s first delivery of a commercial, driverless transport solution of this type.
In practice, six driverless Volvo FH trucks will transport limestone on a five-kilometer route, extending through tunnels between the mine itself and the crushing plant.
However, the vehicles do not operate entirely on their own. The trucks must be operated externally by wheel drive operators.
General Manager Raymond Langfjord at the mine believes this is an important step for the company.
– “The competition in the industry is tough. We are constantly working to increase efficiency and productivity in the long term, and we have a clear vision of utilizing new opportunities in technology and digital solutions,” says Langfjord.
© NTB scanpix / #Norway Today
