The trial at Norton Gold Fields marks a pivotal opportunity to showcase the adaptability and performance of EACON’s autonomous technology in Australian mining conditions. This collaboration combines EACON’s technical innovation with the operational excellence of Thiess and Norton Gold Fields, aiming to set a new benchmark for autonomy in open-pit mining. Owned by Norton Gold Fields and operated by Thiess, the mine hosts Australia’s only ultra-large heap leaching gold operation, with an annual leaching capacity of 5 million tonnes. The site’s unique challenges, including narrow operational zones, high-speed travel conditions and extreme heat, provide an ideal proving ground for the technology. A key milestone was reached with the signing of the Autonomous Agreement on 16 April 2025.