Neil Perry is Content Director for Outlook Publishing.
- Content Director
Share
Hitachi Construction Machinery and Pronto have signed a strategic partnership to develop open mine automation solutions, combining mining equipment expertise with OEM-agnostic autonomous haulage technology to give operators greater flexibility in deploying automation.
Hitachi Construction Machinery and Pronto have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop open mine automation solutions designed to improve productivity, safety and operational flexibility across mining operations.
The partnership brings together Hitachi Construction Machinery’s expertise in mining equipment and operations with Pronto’s OEM-agnostic Autonomous Haulage System (AHS), creating automation solutions that can be adapted to different mine sites while supporting existing equipment from multiple manufacturers.
The collaboration aims to provide mining operators with a broader range of automation options as they respond to changing business conditions and operational challenges.
Addressing Productivity and Labour Challenges
The companies said mining operators are increasingly looking for practical and scalable automation technologies that improve productivity and safety while helping address labour shortages.
They also highlighted growing demand for open automation platforms that can be deployed according to the specific operating conditions of each mine, rather than requiring operators to rely on a single technology provider or equipment ecosystem.
Hitachi Construction Machinery and Pronto said an open ecosystem that combines expertise in mining operations, equipment, digital technologies and automation will enable solutions to be tailored to individual customer requirements.
Combining Equipment Expertise with Autonomous Haulage
Under the partnership, Hitachi Construction Machinery will contribute its experience in supplying mining equipment and supporting mining operations worldwide, together with its global customer base.
The collaboration also aligns with the company’s planned transition to the LANDCROS brand in April 2027, which will focus on connecting products, technologies and partners through an open co-creation approach.
Pronto will provide its OEM-agnostic autonomous haulage technology, which retrofits onto existing haul trucks from different manufacturers and has been deployed across commercial mixed-fleet mining operations on three continents.
The company said its autonomous haulage systems are designed to support operations ranging from regional quarries to ultra-class, deep-pit mines.
Industry Collaboration Supports Flexible Automation
Masafumi Senzaki, President and Executive Officer of Hitachi Construction Machinery, said: “For decades, we have worked alongside mining customers around the world and have developed a deep understanding of their diverse needs and the challenges they face.
“Through our collaboration with Pronto, we will combine Hitachi Construction Machinery’s equipment expertise with advanced automation technologies to provide customers with greater flexibility and options in adopting automation solutions.
“This partnership represents an important step in realizing the desire embodied in the ‘O’ of LANDCROS—to openly co-create new businesses and value with customers and partners across the mining industry, and to grow together.”
Masafumi Senzaki, President and Executive Officer of Hitachi Construction Machinery
Pronto has proven OEM-agnostic autonomous haulage at commercial scale, and Hitachi Construction Machinery brings decades of mining equipment leadership, a global customer base, and an open autonomy vision that we share.
Together, we can give every mining operation a practical, affordable path to autonomy.”
Focus On Customer Choice and Operational Flexibility
The partnership is intended to create new value for mining customers by combining expertise in mining operations, equipment and automation technologies.
By focusing on open, flexible automation, Hitachi Construction Machinery and Pronto aim to support mining companies seeking to modernise operations while retaining the freedom to deploy technologies that best suit the requirements of individual mine sites.
This article was produced by the editorial team at Mining Outlook and published as part of the Outlook Publishing global network of B2B industry magazines.
Outlook Publishing delivers industry insights, company stories, and sector coverage across mining, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, supply chains, food production, and sustainability.
Mining Outlook provides ongoing coverage of organisations and developments shaping the global mining industry.
