Technology & Innovation
RIO Tinto recently celebrated the successful deployment of its AutoHaul project, the world’s first automated heavyhaul long distance rail network.
The AutoHaul trains, which help deliver safety and productivity benefits for Rio Tinto’s iron ore business, have also firmly positioned WA and its heavyhaul rail industry as a global leader in the joint development and application of rail technology.
Today, 2.4km-long trains, monitored remotely from an operations centre in Perth, travel across a vast network of 1700km of track, delivering iron ore from 16 mines to ports in Dampier and Cape Lambert.
These trains have now safely travelled more than 4.5m km autonomously since they were first deployed last year.
The world-first had been made possible by close collaboration with project partners from Japan, US and Australia, which included Hitachi Rail, Calibre, New York Air Brake, Wabtec and others, who provided the necessary expertise, innovation and software to make AutoHaul a success.
Several of these partners maintain a strong presence in WA and have committed to continuing to invest locally.
Rio Tinto iron ore managing director rail, port and core services, Ivan Vella, said the deployment of AutoHaul was a reflection of the pioneering spirit of the project team and its valued partners.
“I’d also like to commend our train driving workforce for their support and professionalism during the transition period,” he said.
“This project has cemented WA as a leader in the heavy-haul rail industry and has attracted interest from around the world.
“The successful deployment of the world’s first heavy-haul long distance rail network demonstrates the potential for significant further improvement in such operations with others around the world looking to replicate.”
WA Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston said the AutoHaul project was an example of the strength of WA’s resources industry, which continued to excel in technology and innovation.
“AutoHaul has brought the rail freight industry in this country into the 21st century and is rightfully the subject of global interest,” he said.
“I’d also like to mention that the development of the world’s biggest robot is such a success because of the contribution from WA’s skilled engineers and innovative workers.”
Early results from the deployment of AutoHaul have already highlighted the technology’s potential to improve productivity, increase flexibility and reduce bottlenecks in Rio Tinto’s iron ore system.
The $940m AutoHaul program involves about 200 locomotives on what is the largest privately-owned rail network in Australia.
Autonomous trains improve safety through reduced risk at level crossings and automated responses to speed restrictions and alarms. AutoHaul also removes the need for almost 1.5m km of road travel per year previously required to transport drivers to and from trains mid-journey.
The average return distance of these trains is about 800km with the average journey cycle, including loading and dumping, taking about 40 hours. Locomotives carrying AutoHaul software are fitted with on-board cameras allowing for constant monitoring from the Operations Centre in Perth.
All public rail crossings on the network are fitted with CCTV cameras and have been upgraded to the highest safety standards.