Volvo Autonomous Solutions (VAS) recently reached a major milestone in mining efficiency and productivity, successfully hauling over 1 Mt of limestone autonomously for customer Brønnøy Kalk in Norway. It says this achievement underscores the transformative impact of autonomous technology in the mining and quarrying industries.
To date, the autonomous transport solution at Brønnøy Kalk in Velfjord, Norway, has covered more than 220,000 km. Volvo said this operational track record underscores the proven performance of its autonomous transport solutions under demanding, real-world conditions.
Nils Jaeger, President of Volvo Autonomous Solutions, stated: “Hauling over 1 Mt of limestone autonomously is a remarkable accomplishment. This milestone highlights how our autonomous technology is already driving meaningful results for customers like Brønnøy Kalk, turning what was once a vision of the future into a reality today.”
Raymond Langfjord, General Manager at Brønnøy Kalk, added: “Our decision to adopt autonomy was driven by the need to improve efficiency, safety, and productivity. This milestone highlights the progress we have made and the capabilities of Volvo’s autonomous transport solutions. We are proud to be at the forefront of industry innovation and to serve as a prime example of what autonomous technology can achieve.”
The autonomous transport solution at Brønnøy Kalk includes seven Volvo FH trucks equipped with VAS’s proprietary virtual driver technology. These trucks operate under challenging conditions, efficiently navigating a 5 km route between the mine and crusher, which includes steep inclination and tunnels. A wheel loader operator manages operations via a touch screen, coordinating truck loading and hauling. In 2023, VAS reached a major milestone for the industry by removing the safety driver at Brønnøy Kalk.
Operating under the product name Autona/earth, the solution implemented at Brønnøy Kalk extends beyond autonomous trucks. It encompasses a fully integrated ecosystem that includes infrastructure, operations, training, maintenance, repairs, and fleet management. Delivered through a Transport as a Service (TaaS) model, Autona/earth is operated by VAS, who is the transport provider at Brønnøy Kalk. This model enables Brønnøy Kalk to leverage the benefits of autonomous transport without having to solve all the challenges that come with incorporating a new technology into existing operations.
Volvo argues that innovative solutions like Autona/earth are set to revolutionise the mining and quarrying industries by enhancing safety by removing personnel from hazardous environments and productivity through continuous 24/7 operations.
“Autonomy is unlocking unprecedented potential in safety and productivity. Beyond these clear advantages, our solutions deliver substantial efficiency gains in mining operations through flexible fleet management, allowing customers to optimise the number of trucks in operation based on demand. Moreover, advanced data collection from sensors offers new avenues for operational insights and continuous improvements,” says Mikael Nyth, Operations Manager at VAS.
As the mining industry continues to evolve, Volvo Autonomous Solutions says it remains committed to pioneering advancements that redefine what is possible. “This achievement at Brønnøy Kalk is just the beginning of a journey toward a safer, more productive future.”
