Hitachi Rail to Upgrade Rio Tinto’s Autonomous Heavy Haul Rail Network in Australia
Hitachi Rail is set to commence the final phase of a major upgrade for Rio Tinto’s autonomous heavy haul rail network in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. The project aims to enhance the interlockings on the rail network, which currently operates under Rio Tinto’s AutoHaul program, enabling driverless iron ore trains to run autonomously.
Since its launch in 2018, Rio Tinto’s AutoHaul program has successfully deployed a fleet of 221 locomotives that operate without drivers. With the help of Hitachi’s advanced technology, these iron ore trains can run autonomously over a distance of 2.4 km. The trains are monitored and controlled from a remote operations center in Perth. Each round trip covers approximately 800 km and takes around 40 hours, including the time required for loading and unloading.
In addition to the autonomous operation, a separate three-year project is underway to replace the Integrated Control & Supervision System (ICSS) on Rio Tinto’s extensive 1,900 km rail network in the Pilbara region. This project aims to replace the existing ICSS MicroTrax interlocking system with Hitachi Rail’s MicroLok II interlocking technology. The new system is expected to optimize operational efficiency, punctuality, and lifecycle costs while minimizing faults.
The MicroLok II interlocking system will perform a range of essential functions, including train detection, track circuit integrity, coded track circuit communication, cab signaling code generation, and event recording. It will also incorporate vital interlocking code and a code system for controlling and indicating non-vital aspects of the network.
The first two phases of the ICSS upgrade project have already been completed, involving the replacement of the previous interlocking system and the upgrading of lineside equipment across 100 km of the Tom Price line and 200 km of the Yandi line. The commencement of Phase 3 was announced on November 8, with the focus shifting to the Paraburdoo line, expected to go live by 2025.
Hitachi Rail’s involvement in the upgrade project signifies a significant step forward in the advancement of autonomous heavy haul rail systems. The collaboration between Hitachi Rail and Rio Tinto highlights the industry’s commitment to innovation and technology-driven solutions. By optimizing interlockings and upgrading systems, the autonomous rail network is poised to achieve higher levels of efficiency and reliability.
This latest upgrade for Rio Tinto’s autonomous heavy haul rail network in Australia is expected to revolutionize the mining transportation sector. With the support of Hitachi Rail’s cutting-edge technology, Rio Tinto takes another stride towards increased automation, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable operations in the future. The fully autonomous rail network is a testament to the industry’s determination to embrace automation for improved productivity and safety.
As the final phase of the upgrade project gets underway, Hitachi Rail’s expertise and technological solutions will drive the optimization of interlockings on Rio Tinto’s heavy haul rail network in the Pilbara region. The continuous development and integration of advanced technologies are set to redefine the future of rail operations, propelling the industry towards a new era of efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
