Anglo American PLC scrapped its plan to deploy autonomous trucks to its majority-owned Dawson coal mine in Queensland, Australia, The Australian reported Oct. 2.
In June, Anglo American said a feasibility study is being carried out to look into the possible replacement of the mine's 23-strong truck fleet with driverless ones. However, the study showed that the results of going autonomous were not on par with the mining major's other options for its capital spending budget, the report said, citing a company spokeswoman.
Instead, Anglo American will overhaul the existing fleet to extend its life for up to three years, the report said, adding that the company may reconsider autonomous replacements near the end of the trucks' life.
The report noted that there are more than 300 driverless trucks currently operating across iron ore mines in Australia owned by Rio Tinto, BHP Group and Fortescue Metals Group Ltd., improving output and safety conditions.
Anglo American owns 51% of Dawson, with Mitsui & Co. Ltd. holding the rest. In the second quarter, the mine's metallurgical coal output rose 8% yearly to 774,000 tonnes while thermal coal output dropped 25% to 145,200 tonnes.
