Glencore-Owned Raglan Achieves Autonomous Haulage Milestone at Anuri

Why It Matters

The autonomous haulage breakthrough boosts productivity and safety while cementing Raglan’s long‑term viability and its social licence with Indigenous partners.

Key Takeaways

• First autonomous truck unloads ore at Anuri mine
• Sandvik AutoMine platform powers two TH663i trucks and five LHDs
• Remote operations centre 14 km away controls unloading
• Gradual tech adoption and strong management enabled success
• Project adds 20 years to Raglan life, aids Inuit

Pulse Analysis

The Anuri underground mine’s autonomous haulage milestone illustrates how remote‑controlled equipment is reshaping high‑grade nickel extraction. By leveraging Sandvik’s AutoMine® platform, Raglan can operate two 63‑tonne TH663i trucks and a fleet of LH517i loaders from a control hub 14 km distant, eliminating the need for on‑site drivers during critical unload cycles. This not only reduces exposure to underground hazards but also streamlines logistics, allowing faster ore transfer to surface processing facilities.

Beyond the trucks, Raglan’s digital transformation includes tele‑operated DL421i long‑hole drills and intelligent DD422i jumbo drills, creating an integrated, semi‑autonomous mining ecosystem. The company’s phased rollout—starting with Sandvik’s Multi‑Lite system and gradually adding AutoMine kits—provided time to build institutional knowledge and refine processes. Early executive endorsement ensured resources and training kept pace with technology, resulting in smoother adoption and measurable gains in equipment uptime and operational efficiency.

The broader impact extends to the regional economy and Indigenous stakeholders. Extending Raglan’s operational horizon by at least two decades secures long‑term employment and training opportunities for Inuit communities, reinforced by programs like Tamatumani that graduate local talent to operate advanced machinery. Enhanced agreements under Quebec’s environmental framework further embed community benefits, from land‑use rights to business participation. As the mining sector accelerates toward autonomy, Raglan’s experience offers a blueprint for balancing technological innovation with social responsibility and sustainable growth.