Epiroc has launched an advanced autonomous truck haulage system that introduces true three-dimensional capabilities for underground mining operations, allowing for the orchestration of autonomous truck movements across intricate, multi-level ramp systems. This development, reported on January 12, 2026, by Global Mining Review, marks a significant leap in fleet management and operational efficiency for subterranean mining environments. Epiroc says the Deep Automation system provides enhanced visibility and control of underground fleets, enabling mining companies to deploy and manage autonomous trucks with unprecedented precision, even in the most challenging geological formations and interconnected underground networks.
This technological innovation moves beyond traditional two-dimensional fleet management by incorporating depth and elevation data, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding and control of vehicle movements across varying levels of an underground mine. The system’s ability to navigate and coordinate trucks through complex, multi-tiered ramp structures addresses long-standing challenges in optimizing haulage efficiency and safety within these dynamic environments.
The development and validation of Epiroc’s enhanced Deep Automation system have been conducted at Agnico Eagle’s Odyssey Mine facility in Canada. This real-world testing environment has been crucial in refining the technology to meet the demanding requirements of practical mining applications. Throughout the validation process, direct input from mining professionals and operational teams at the Odyssey Mine site played a pivotal role in shaping the system’s design and functionality, ensuring it addresses genuine industry needs and operational hurdles.
Ghislain Couture, Superintendent of Automation at Agnico Eagle’s Odyssey Mine, observed measurable advancements during the trials. He stated that the testing confirmed the technology is progressing according to plan and that this innovation is contributing to the creation of mining operations that are both more efficient and safer.
A key feature of the upgraded Deep Automation system is its sophisticated traffic management logic. This intelligent system is designed to prevent operational bottlenecks and vehicle standoffs by proactively coordinating vehicle movements. It achieves this by managing truck meetings and overtaking maneuvers at designated points within the underground mine’s infrastructure. This proactive approach is particularly vital in confined underground passages where space for vehicles to pass is limited. By anticipating potential conflicts and directing trucks to avoid simultaneous encounters in narrow zones, the system ensures a consistent operational flow and minimizes disruptions to mining activities.
Johannes Mutamba, Global Product Manager for Deep Automation Trucks in Epiroc’s Underground division, elaborated on the system’s decision-making processes. He explained that Deep Automation utilizes rapid, intelligent processing to bolster safety protocols, reduce equipment idle time, and improve overall operational effectiveness. The system is engineered to support a wide range of operational scenarios, from multiple machines sharing the same ramps to collaborative work on common tasks. In every situation, the Deep Automation algorithms are designed to optimize task completion and maximize equipment performance.
In conjunction with the enhanced Deep Automation system, Epiroc says the Minetruck MT54 S and MT65 S platforms are offered in automation-ready configurations, expanding the range of compatible equipment for mining operations seeking to implement fleet automation strategies. These trucks, when integrated with the advanced Deep Automation system, provide a complete solution for underground mining facilities aiming to transition towards autonomous operations.
The expanded capabilities of Deep Automation extend beyond trucks to include underground Scooptram loaders, allowing for broader integration of existing mining equipment into the automated fleet management framework. This versatility means that a wider array of mining machinery can be incorporated into the system, enhancing its applicability across different mining processes.
Mutamba further emphasized that the development of the improved Deep Automation system was fundamentally guided by the requirements and insights of mining customers and operators. He noted that the system now offers significantly enhanced capabilities, particularly in providing operators with instantaneous, three-dimensional visualization of their equipment and vehicles as they operate underground. This real-time, 3D visibility offers a substantial advantage for fleet management and operational oversight in the complex and often challenging conditions of underground mining. The ability to track assets in three dimensions allows for more precise planning and execution of haulage routes, potentially leading to increased productivity and reduced operational costs.
Sources
- https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/12012026/epiroc-brings-autonomous-truck-haulage-into-3d-enabling-advanced-fleet-control-across-multi-level-ramps/
