Introduction
The mining industry in Canada and the United States has increasingly adopted autonomous equipment to enhance safety, efficiency, and productivity in gold and silver operations. This report focuses on non-drone technologies, examining current applications such as autonomous haul trucks, electric loaders, autonomous-ready systems, and tele-remote operations. It also explores future developments including autonomous drilling rigs, load-haul dump (LHD) fleets, blasting systems, and surface dozers and graders. While gold mining examples dominate due to more extensive documentation, similar technologies apply to silver mining, often in polymetallic operations.
Current Use of Autonomous Equipment
Autonomous haul trucks represent a key advancement in surface mining, allowing for continuous operation without human drivers, reducing accidents, and optimizing fuel use. In the United States, Nevada Gold Mines partnered with Komatsu to automate a fleet of 300- and 230-ton haul trucks across its surface operations, marking the first such implementation for both companies in the U.S. This initiative aims to improve safety and efficiency in large-scale gold extraction. [1]
In Canada, the Cote Gold Mine in northeastern Ontario has become the first large-scale open-pit gold mine in North America to deploy autonomous haulage from the outset, utilizing over 20 self-driving 300-tonne trucks. This automation integrates with real-time data systems to streamline material transport in gold mining. [2]
Electric loaders, often battery-powered and autonomous, are gaining traction in underground settings for their zero-emission profiles and reduced heat generation. At the New Afton gold and copper mine in British Columbia, Canada, Sandvik has deployed two fully autonomous Toro LH518iB battery-electric loaders, the first of its kind in North America. These 18 ton machines handle underground loading tasks autonomously, supporting sustainable gold production. [3]
Autonomous-ready and tele-remote equipment are increasingly common, enabling remote operation from safe control centres. Industry-wide, such technologies now account for nearly 5 % of key mining equipment globally, with rapid adoption in Canada and the U.S. for gold and base metal mines. Tele-remote systems allow operators to control loaders and drills from the surface, minimizing exposure to hazards in underground silver and gold operations. [4]
While specific silver mining examples are less prevalent, companies such as Pan American Silver, with operations in North America, are exploring similar technologies to enhance efficiency in silver-dominant mines, aligning with broader industry trends. [5]
Future Developments and Autonomous Equipment
Autonomous drilling rigs are poised to transform precision and safety in both surface and underground mining. At Canada’s Cote Gold Mine, IAMGOLD plans to integrate an autonomous Epiroc Pit Viper fleet, positioning it as the first fully automated haulage and drilling operation in the country. This step builds toward comprehensive autonomy in gold mining. [6]
Looking forward, Sandvik’s AutoMine Surface Fleet will enable remote management of over 15 surface i-series drill rigs, while its battery-electric concept rig combines autonomy with hybrid power for decarbonized drilling in holes up to 229 mm. These innovations are expected to boost utilization in future U.S. and Canadian gold and silver projects. [7]
Autonomous LHD fleets will expand underground capabilities, with trials of fully autonomous units already successful. Caterpillar’s R1700 XE and R2900 XE battery-electric LHDs feature advanced electric drive systems for lower emissions, and future iterations aim for full autonomy, potentially increasing payloads and reducing labour needs in silver and gold mines. [8]
Blasting systems are evolving toward full automation, integrating autonomous drills with precise explosive placement. Research indicates pathways to automated drill-and-blast processes, which could eliminate human involvement in hazardous blasting zones, enhancing safety in future North American operations.
Surface dozers and graders will benefit from autonomy for tasks such as site preparation and road maintenance. Libherr’s PR776 Generation 8 dozer prototypes promise autonomous operation, with some mines already using semi-autonomous versions. These will support efficient surface management in expanding gold and silver pits. [8]
Conclusion
Autonomous equipment is increasingly, become more prominent in the gold/silver mining sectors within Canada and the United States. In consequence, efficiency, productivity and safety are improved. For the future, a variety of autonomous equipment will likely transform the mining industries even further.
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Sources:
[2] cbc.ca, https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/cote-gold-mine-automation-1.7092319
[3] electricautonomy.ca, https://electricautonomy.ca/automakers/2025-01-08/sandvik-autonomous-electric-loaders-canada-mine/
[4] finance.yahoo.com, https://finance.yahoo.com/news/adoption-autonomous-mining-equipment-rapidly-112552316.html
[5] farmonaut.com, https://farmonaut.com/mining/autonomous-mining-equipment-ai-2025-market-insights
[6] epiroc.com, https://www.epiroc.com/en-ua/newsroom/2023/iamgolds-autonomous-pitviper-fleet-a-first-for-epiroc-canada
[7] mining.com, https://www.mining.com/web/sandvik-introduces-future-of-autonomous-drill-rig-operation-with-automine-surface-fleet
[8] canadianminingjournal.com, https://www.canadianminingjournal.com/featured-article/technology-and-equipment/
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