EACON Mining has taken a major step in its expansion into the iron ore sector by securing its first iron ore project through a partnership with Xichang Mining, a subsidiary of Baowu Group. The collaboration will automate operations at the Taihe iron mine, marking a significant milestone for EACON as it diversifies from coal, aggregate, and gold mining into iron ore.
The project’s initial phase will see the automation of six SANY electric mining trucks, each with a 70-ton payload capacity, further cementing EACON’s leadership in sustainable, autonomous mining solutions. A full site-wide automation rollout is planned following the successful implementation of this phase.
EACON will deploy its OEM-agnostic autonomous haulage solution (AHS), ORCASTRA®, to manage the SANY battery electric trucks, which will be equipped with drive-by-wire systems. The onboard AHS system, ORCASTRA® Pilot, will control the trucks, while the complete AHS suite, including the fleet management system ORCASTRA® Conductor and the crewed equipment system ORCASTRA® Crew, will oversee the fleet’s operations. ORCASTRA® Conductor will also manage the trucks’ charging cycles, optimizing efficiency and ensuring operational continuity.
The Taihe iron mine presents unique challenges, particularly in its crusher and loading zones, where autonomous trucks must share limited space with crewed trucks, leading to complex traffic patterns.
EACON’s flexible automation solutions offer a compelling value proposition for mining companies looking to improve safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. With the global mining industry increasingly moving towards automation, EACON positions itself as a leader in the next wave of mining innovation.
