The Australian mining sector is on the cusp of a significant technological shift, as the first haul truck equipped with EACON’s autonomous technology prepares for commissioning at Norton Gold Fields Pty Ltd. Jerry, a retrofitted Komatsu HD1500, has just arrived on-site, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s mining automation journey. This trial, a collaboration between Thiess, Norton Gold Fields, and EACON Mining, underscores a growing trend towards OEM-agnostic autonomous haulage systems, a development that could reshape the industry’s operational landscape.
Thiess, with over a decade of experience in autonomous mining services, has thrown its weight behind the trial, emphasizing its commitment to innovative asset and technology solutions. “We’re proud to enable this trial as EACON’s deployment partner, bringing operational expertise and on-site capability to help ensure a successful outcome,” the company stated. This endorsement from a major player like Thiess is not just a vote of confidence in EACON’s technology but also a testament to the broader industry’s readiness to embrace automation.
EACON, too, has expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the potential of this trial to demonstrate the efficacy of its autonomy solution in real-world mining conditions. “We’re proud to partner with Thiess for our local deployment, providing operational expertise and on-site support to help deliver a safe and successful outcome,” EACON remarked. The company’s technology, already deployed on over 1,700 trucks across more than 20 mine sites globally, has accumulated over 50 million kilometres of real-world operation, lending credibility to its claims.
The trial’s significance extends beyond the immediate partners. The collaboration between Thiess, Norton Gold Fields, and EACON, announced in May 2025, represents a concerted effort to advance the deployment of autonomous haulage systems in Australia. By integrating EACON’s autonomy solution into Norton Gold Fields and Thiess mining trucks, the project aims to enhance safety, productivity, and sustainability across the industry. This is not just about technological innovation; it’s about operational transformation.
The project is set to unfold in two phases. The initial stage will focus on validating both the Drive-by-Wire system and autonomous functionality under real-world mining conditions, using two Thiess Komatsu HD1500 trucks operating within Norton Gold Fields’ mining boundary. The second phase will scale up to a fully autonomous haulage fleet operating within an active production pit, integrating seamlessly into day-to-day mining operations. The initial phase is scheduled to commence in the coming months, with full production trials targeted for early 2026.
The implications of this trial are far-reaching. If successful, it could accelerate the adoption of autonomous haulage systems in Australia, driving a shift towards safer, more productive, and sustainable mining operations. Moreover, the focus on OEM-agnostic solutions could democratize access to automation technologies, enabling smaller mining operations to benefit from advancements previously reserved for larger players.
However, the path to full automation is not without challenges. Integrating autonomous haulage systems into existing mining operations requires careful planning, robust infrastructure, and a skilled workforce capable of managing and maintaining these advanced technologies. The trial at Norton Gold Fields will provide valuable insights into these aspects, helping to pave the way for broader industry adoption.
In the broader context, this trial aligns with Norton Gold Fields’ parent company, Zijin Mining’s, strategy to introduce smart and sustainable technologies across its international portfolio. As the mining industry grapples with the need to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance worker safety, automation emerges as a compelling solution. The success of Jerry’s trial could serve as a catalyst for similar initiatives across the globe, reshaping the future of mining.
As the sector watches the progress of this trial, one thing is clear: the Australian mining industry is at a crossroads. The choices made today will shape its trajectory for years to come. The trial of Jerry, the first haul truck in Australia equipped with EACON’s autonomous technology, is not just a test of a new system; it’s a test of the industry’s readiness to embrace the future. The results of this trial could spark a wave of innovation, driving the sector towards a new era of automation and efficiency.