Volvo and Boliden’s Autonomous Mining Collaboration
Volvo Autonomous Solutions (V.A.S.) and Boliden have forged a substantial, long-term partnership aimed at integrating autonomous transport solutions into Boliden’s mining operations.
This collaborative effort encompasses a series of ventures, with the initial focus on deploying autonomous transport systems at Boliden’s Garpenberg facility, situated in Sweden.
Underpinning this cooperation is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) inked by V.A.S. and Boliden. The inaugural undertaking within this framework revolves around the introduction of an autonomous transport system at the Garpenberg site. This system will primarily facilitate the movement of rock fill materials from an on-site quarry.
Nils Jaeger, President of Volvo Autonomous Solutions, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing the manifold advantages that autonomy brings to the mining and quarrying sector. He pointed out that autonomy can contribute significantly by eliminating human exposure to hazardous environments, enabling round-the-clock operations unbounded by human working hours, and curtailing emissions through more efficient resource utilization and asset management. Jaeger underscored the partnership’s mission to usher in a future where autonomous vehicles and human operators work in tandem to enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of Boliden’s operations.
Mikael Staffas, President and CEO of Boliden, echoed these sentiments by highlighting the strategic significance of autonomous solutions for safety and productivity. He expressed his delight at the project’s commencement at the Garpenberg site and emphasized the critical role sustainable and competitive solutions will play in the mining industry’s value creation, given the anticipated surge in demand for base metals.
As part of the implementation process, V.A.S. will deliver a comprehensive autonomous transport solution. This solution encompasses a suite of components, including vehicles, hardware, software, a control room, repair and maintenance services, and training. Central to the system is V.A.S.’s in-house developed virtual driver technology, complemented by the premium truck range from Volvo Trucks. Additionally, V.A.S. will supply a wheel loader for the loading operations.
In preparation for the integration of self-driving trucks, Boliden will make necessary adjustments to its operations and develop the required infrastructure. The project is slated to commence in 2023, commencing with a testing and development phase, followed by full-scale implementation and the eventual operation of fully autonomous systems.
