EACON deploys autonomous trucks at Julong Mine, enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability in China’s high-altitude copper mining operations.
EACON, a globally recognized innovator in autonomous mining technologies, has made a landmark achievement by deploying its advanced autonomous haulage system (AHS) at the Julong Copper Mine. This mine, owned by Zijin Mining, holds the distinction of being China's largest copper reserve and ranks among the top five copper deposits globally. Strategically located in the high-altitude mining region of western China, Julong Copper Mine comprises several key deposits, including the Julong and Zhibula zones.
Operating in altitudes ranging from 4,000 to 5,400 meters above sea level, the mine faces daunting environmental conditions. Freezing temperatures, thin oxygen levels, and challenging mountainous terrain make both human labor and mechanical operations difficult. Driver shortages have historically hindered productivity at such altitudes due to the harsh working conditions. Recognizing these obstacles, Zijin Mining turned to automation as a viable solution to ensure consistent, safe, and efficient operations.
EACON secured the contract to implement autonomous solutions at the site. In the project's initial phase, the company successfully introduced its autonomous haulage technology to the Julong mine. Currently, five 100-ton wide-body autonomous dump trucks are operating alongside seven manually driven 200-ton rigid dump trucks. This mixed-fleet operation is functioning under real-world production conditions and, notably, has achieved a flawless safety record with zero incidents since deployment.
The Mine Superintendent at Julong noted, “Introducing autonomous trucks at such altitudes and under such harsh conditions is a significant achievement. It has dramatically improved worker safety by eliminating the need for drivers in extreme environments while also resolving long-standing logistical challenges.”
Encouraged by the results of Phase One, the mine has initiated Phase Two. EACON is now retrofitting larger 240-ton mining trucks and introducing its ORCASTRA® CONDUCTOR—an intelligent fleet management platform capable of coordinating fleets with diverse vehicle brands and sizes across multiple zones. This next phase is expected to enhance fleet coordination and expand autonomous operations at scale.
Following Julong, EACON’s technology will also be implemented at the nearby Zhibula Copper Mine, which is similarly operated by Julong. This phase will include the deployment of 60 factory-installed, battery-electric, wide-body autonomous trucks. The Zhibula site, with its narrower roadways and heightened focus on reducing emissions, is positioned to become a showcase for Zijin’s broader sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitments.
EACON’s OEM-agnostic autonomy platform, compatible with both retrofitted and factory-built diesel or electric trucks, continues to prove its adaptability in the most extreme mining environments. By integrating autonomy, electrification, and smart fleet scheduling, EACON is not only increasing safety and productivity but also enabling a faster transition to sustainable mining practices.
Through this high-altitude success, EACON is setting a global precedent for safe, resilient, and sustainable autonomous mining operations.
