Russia Launches Three-Year Trial for Autonomous Haul Trucks in Mining

The Russian government has approved a three-year trial for autonomous haul trucks in open-pit mining. The scheme allows up to 50 self-driving vehicles, each with a 330-ton capacity, to operate in Chukotka. The move aims to test the technology under real industrial conditions. The pilot will take place at two sites: the Peschanka copper deposit in Chukotka Autonomous Okrug and the Ozeronoye polymetallic deposit in Buryatia. The trucks will follow a dedicated haul road between the open pit and the processing plant.

The project will roll out in three phases. First, a driver will remain in the cab for oversight. Next, operations will shift to remote monitoring. Finally, the trucks will run fully autonomously.

Autonomous haul trucks are expected to improve efficiency by 15–20% compared to traditional ones. They can operate continuously, reduce human error, and stick precisely to planned routes. Companies will save on wages but must invest in vehicle upgrades and supporting infrastructure.

China currently leads the world in deploying robotic haul trucks, already using them in coal and ore mining. The trial period will assess the practical and economic benefits of autonomous haulage in Russian mining. If successful, it could lead to wider adoption across the industry. The framework provides a structured approach to testing and refining the technology.