Diversified Swedish metals producer Boliden will work with Volvo Autonomous Solutions (VAS) to deploy VAS self-driving trucks at its operations under a memorandum of understanding announced this week.
The collaboration will initially focus on moving rock-fill from an on-site quarry to Boliden’s modern Garpenberg zinc mine in Sweden.
The miner will “adapt its operations” and build infrastructure to enable VAS to integrate an autonomous transport solution, including vehicles, hardware, software, a control room, repair and maintenance services, and training.
“The solution will be based on VAS in-house developed virtual driver and the Volvo Trucks’ premium truck range,” the supplier said.
“In addition, VAS will provide a wheel loader for the loading operation.”
According to Boliden CEO Mikael Staffas, the partnership with VAS “is of great strategic importance”.
“Demand for base metals will increase going forward and sustainable as well as competitive solutions will be key in the value creation of mining,” he said.
VAS president Nils Jaeger said the project would start this year with a testing and development phase followed by implementation.
