Volvo Trucks has signed a landmark agreement with Norwegian mine company Brønnøy Kalk to transport limestone from an open pit mine to a nearby port roughly 3 miles away.

The deal ,which will become fully operational by the end of 2019, involves limestone being transported by six self-driving Volvo FH trucks on a 5 kilometer stretch through tunnels between the mine itself and the crusher.

Rather than purchasing the autonomous trucks from Volvo , the mine company will be paying Volvo per tonne of limestone it delivered.

Brønnøy Kalk Managing Director Said:

 

“This is an important step for us”
“The competition in the industry is tough. We are continuously looking to increase our efficiency and productivity long-term, and we have a clear vision of taking advantage of new opportunities in technology and digital solutions. Going autonomous will greatly increase our competitiveness in a tough global market”.