Thiess and EACON sign MoU to advance autonomous fleet capability and decarbonisation

Thiess and leading autonomous haulage solutions firm EACON have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deliver OEM-agnostic autonomous technology and advance decarbonisation in the mining industry.

The MoU paves the way for us to offer more sustainable, efficient, and safer mining solutions to its clients globally through EACON’s expertise in autonomous driving technology and electric and hybrid truck engineering, while EACON has the opportunity to conduct early production trials at Thiess’ Australian and international mining operations.

Thiess Group Executive Chair and CEO Michael Wright said: “Thiess has been involved with the delivery of autonomous mining services since 2013 and we are looking forward to exploring EACON’s OEM-agnostic autonomous solutions. These have the potential to reduce the significant capital expenditure barrier to autonomous haulage by enabling the cost-efficient conversion of conventional fleet to full autonomy.

“We’re also interested in EACON’s hybrid and electric truck technology, given our global 1200-strong haul truck fleet and commitment to decarbonising our operations. We look forward to leveraging EACON’s innovative autonomy and electrification solutions to offer lower-emissions mining to our clients, many of whom are on the journey to net zero by 2050.”

EACON Mining Australia COO Elaine Jin stated: "Partnering with Thiess marks a significant advancement in our global expansion.

“Our autonomous and sustainable mining solutions are currently operating in more than 500 dump trucks across 13 mines. We’re confident that offering our cutting-edge autonomous haulage system will enhance Thiess' efficiency and have an immediate impact on improving fleet safety and fuel efficiency.”

Thiess and EACON’s collaboration will kick off with identification of suitable Thiess mining operations to commence the trials of EACON technologies.