Recently, the Open-Pit Mining Technology Magazine published a paper titled “Realization way and benefit advantage analysis of autonomous haulage system of mining truck” by Sun Qingshan, a researcher at EACON. The strong response has triggered extensive discussions on the application of autonomous driving technology in mining.

“Open-pit Mining Technology” was founded in 1985. It is a comprehensive technical publication for the mining industry managed by Shenyang Research Institute of Coal Science and Industry Group Co Ltd, and sponsored by Shenyang Research Institute of Coal Science and Industry Group Co Ltd, China Coal Pingshuo Group Co Ltd, and Shenhua Zhungeer Energy Co Ltd.

Sun Qingshan, the main author of the paper, graduated from Fuxin Mining Institute in July 1983, majoring in open-pit mining. After graduation, he worked in Shenyang Research Institute of Coal Science and Industry Group until his retirement. He has served as the project leader of the Open-pit Safety Research Institute, chief engineer, and other critical positions. At present, he joins EACON Mining as the chief engineer of the open-pit mine, and is responsible for related work such as technology, dispatch, and products.

This paper introduces the development status and overall technical framework of autonomous driving technology for open-pit mine. The connection between processes discusses the economic and social benefits brought by autonomous systems to open-pit mine in terms of intelligent truck dispatch, fuel consumption, tire management, safety management, and optimisation of mining process parameters.

EACON Mining Technology was established in May 2018. It is a high-tech enterprise focusing on autonomous driving technology for mining vehicles. The company’s core team includes masters and doctors from top universities, senior experts from well-known vehicle companies, and mine experts from open-pit mine design and research institutions. The team has a wealth of experience in autonomous mining systems research and development, mining truck dispatch and monitoring platform development.

At present, the accumulated mileage of autonomous driving at EACON has reached more than 15,000 kilometers, and the haulage volume has exceeded 80,000 cubic meters. Its mining autonomous driving technology and practical expertise are dominant in China.