Manufacturing company Komatsu – and subsidiary Komatsu Chile S.A. – has announced plans for the Komatsu FrontRunner Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) to be deployed on a total of 62 930E ultra-class haul trucks by 2024 at Los Bronces, a Chilean openpit copper mine owned by diversified major Anglo American.

The mine site will serve as a showcase for Komatsu’s autonomous technology.

“We’re excited to participate in this initiative to implement autonomous technology and look forward to the opportunity to leverage FrontRunner AHS to help us optimise our mine operations at Los Bronces.

“[We’re] convinced that technology is an enabler to improve the way we work and move toward a safer and more sustainable operation where people are the protagonists of innovation and are at the centre of everything we do,” said Los Bronces mine modernisation manager Cristobal Mimica.

“FrontRunner AHS is designed to help mines increase production while promoting zero harm,” says Komatsu autonomous systems VP Anthony Cook.

“We’re pleased that Anglo American, a long-time partner, has chosen FrontRunner to help achieve [its] goals and we look forward to continuing to collaborate on future optimisation opportunities,” he adds.

Komatsu FrontRunner is a well-proven system, with over 525 trucks deployed since its first commercial deployment in 2008 at Chilean State-owned copper mining company Codelco’s Gabriela Mistral copper mine, in Chile.

Komatsu’s approach for FrontRunner AHS brings together its ultra-class dump trucks with the industry-leading Modular Mining DISPATCH Fleet Management System.

The essential minerals needed to power modern society are getting harder to find and tougher to mine, and customers trust mining companies to deliver these resources. Komatsu focuses on helping mining companies meet those needs productively and responsibly.

As part of the company’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, Komatsu has increased its focus on advancement of sustainable technologies, equipment and service solutions that will help customers achieve safe, highly productive, smart and clean workplaces for the future.