Scania and Regroup set to launch autonomous mining truck fleet
8 OCTOBER 2024
Scania is partnering with Australian mining services provider Regroup to launch its first fleet of autonomous in-pit mining trucks in commercial operations. These autonomous rigid G 560 8x4 tippers will begin operations at Element 25’s Butcherbird Mine in Western Australia’s Pilbara region by late 2025.
This fleet of 11 autonomous trucks will transport manganese ore, marking a milestone for Scania and Regroup, and for the global mining industry. The announcement follows the recent opening of Scania’s order book for commercially available autonomous trucks. “With this fleet order, we bring to commercial reality the concept of an autonomous fleet working at scale in demanding real-world conditions. We anticipate the Regroup fleet deployment will be the first of many, as operators around the world see the safety, productivity and ease-of-use benefits of Scania’s technology,” says Peter Hafmar, Head of Autonomous Solutions, Scania.
A new era for mining in Australia
Scania Australia has collaborated with local mining industry partners to refine its autonomous truck programme over the past years. The upcoming fleet represents a breakthrough, combining advanced technology with operational expertise to enhance efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint of mining operations.
“This is a historic moment for both Scania and the mining industry,” says Manfred Streit, Managing Director of Scania Australia. “Partnering with Regroup to launch the first global order of our autonomous trucks in Australia is a great achievement. This project demonstrates the potential of autonomous vehicles in one of the world’s most demanding environments.”
Regroup's vision for a sustainable future
Regroup, a civil, mining, and bulk haulage contractor, views this partnership as a crucial step toward a future of autonomous, electric mining fleets. The introduction of autonomous trucks is the first phase of this transformation.
“We’re aligned with Scania in our commitment to innovation and sustainability,” says Michael Still, Managing Director of Regroup. “This project will revolutionise mining operations by integrating autonomous solutions, eventually leading to fully electric vehicles.” In addition to the autonomous fleet, Regroup has also ordered a battery-electric Scania 8x4 truck to be used as a water cart at the Butcherbird site, reinforcing its goal of reducing environmental impact.
A strategic investment
The collaboration between Scania and Regroup is the result of months of strategic discussions, further strengthened by the involvement of Element 25. The company mines manganese, a crucial component in batteries, creating a circular economy that aligns with Regroup’s and Scania’s sustainability goals.
Robert Taylor, Head of Mining at Scania Australia, emphasizes the advantages: “This fleet will lower operating costs and decarbonise operations.” It will also reduce the need for drivers on-site and transition them to control rooms. Regroup will offer employees cleaner and safer working conditions. “The workforce will remain intact, but instead of working in hazardous conditions, they’ll be in control rooms, potentially from their hometowns. It’s a win-win for everyone involved,” Still says.
A partnership built on trust
Regroup’s investment in this fleet demonstrates a long-term commitment to adopting sustainable transport solutions. “We’ve always been early adopters of new technology, and this partnership with Scania is no different,” Still explains. Regroup will reduce fuel consumption and minimise its environmental impact by switching from larger 100-200 tonne trucks to 40-tonne payload autonomous vehicles.
“We’re burning less fuel on-site while achieving the same results, which is a win for both our business and the environment,” Still adds. The smaller, more efficient trucks are expected to bring immediate benefits in fuel economy and emissions reduction.
Paving the way for electrification
Although the initial fleet will operate on diesel engines, both companies are committed to an electric future. “We’re eager to be early adopters of electric technology,” says Still. “As Scania continues to prove its expertise in autonomy and electrification, we will expand our fleet with fully electric vehicles when they become available.”
Looking ahead
The Scania-Regroup partnership is expected to set new benchmarks for autonomous and sustainable mining. With operations set to begin in late 2025, Scania and Regroup are leading the way toward a future where autonomy, sustainability, and innovation come together to deliver more efficient, eco-friendly solutions for the mining industry.
