Autonomous trucks go commercial

Scania has started sales of autonomous mining trucks, opening up the potential for safer, more efficient, and more sustainable mining operations. 

The realisation of autonomous transport is taking a big step forward as Scania opens up orders for the company’s self-driving mining solutions. It is now possible to place orders for Scania’s 40-tonne autonomous heavy tipper for mining, with the 50-tonne model to follow shortly.

As a first step, Scania will start sales of its autonomous mining solutions in Australia, with first deliveries and start of operation scheduled from 2026. The next market in line will most likely be Latin America – a region where Scania has a significant market presence in the mining segment.

“The transition from research and development to the launch of a commercial product is a major milestone for us and for autonomous heavy transport in general. This is the most advanced product Scania has put on the market so far,” says Peter Hafmar, vice president and head of autonomous solutions at Scania. 

Easier to go electric and achieve sustainable mining

Mines have long been seen as one of the most promising environments for autonomous vehicles, as these can contribute to safer working conditions and more efficient operations. 

Scania’s mining solutions with smaller, civil-class trucks also have potential overall advantages over the industry’s traditional heavy haulage trucks, both in terms of emissions and productivity. By utilising Scania’s autonomous mining trucks, the overall mining footprint – including energy and infrastructure requirements – can be reduced, meaning that capital and operating expenses may also be reduced at suitable sites.

Scania’s autonomous trucks can be smoothly fitted into existing mine operation set-ups, thanks to their interoperability with other systems and vehicles. “Another benefit with our solution is that it allows mining companies to more quickly take the next step towards zero-emission operations. It’s easier to electrify operations with Scania’s autonomous trucks compared with traditional heavy haulage trucks,” says Hafmar.