A survey by Timetric’s Mining Intelligence Centre (MIC) has revealed that 48% of miners in Europe and Former Soviet Union (FSU) countries intend to use autonomous vehicles by 2020.

The survey polled opinions of more than 100 mine managers and senior decision-makers at operating mines in 23 European and FSU countries.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Respondents were asked about the deployment of autonomous vehicles currently on-site and, if not currently in use, the timeframe for implementing the technology.

"Autonomous vehicles can be a viable option for many operations in Europe and the FSU that typically face higher operating costs [than] Africa and Asia."

MIC’s survey revealed that 31% of respondents were using autonomous vehicles, with a higher level of adoption in advanced Scandinavian countries (44%).

Only 11% of Eastern Europe has adopted autonomous vehicles. 25% said they will be implementing the technology by 2020, and half of them indicated plans for automation within the next two years.

Timetric MIC senior mining analyst Clifford Smee said: "Autonomous vehicles can be a viable option for many operations in Europe and the FSU that typically face higher operating costs due to labour, compared to mines in Africa and Asia.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

"Automation can address these cost issues, whilst also increasing safety for onsite personnel. Both the current rate and expected 2020 rate of autonomous vehicles use is also much higher than mines in Africa and Asia."

Further, the survey results suggested that autonomous vehicles are predicted to be in use in 44% of surface operations and 51% of underground operations by 2020, representing a rise from the current 31% of all operations covered in Timetric’s primary survey.