CCTV Reports Autonomous Mining Truck Expansion; 2026 China Shipments May Top 10,000

Autonomous mining trucks are moving toward deployment at scale in China, according to a report by CCTV’s economic news program. Industry forecasts cited in the report suggest that domestic shipments could exceed 10,000 units or sets during 2026, supported by faster construction of large mines and growing demand for greener, smarter operations.

During a factory visit, reporters saw autonomous mining trucks standing 4.5 meters tall and weighing 40 tonnes. The vehicles feature drive-by-wire chassis and were reported to support driverless operation in dense fog, rain, snow and extreme cold down to −40°C. The factory was reported to turn out one truck every three to four days on average.

These details point to two practical requirements for wider adoption: producing vehicles at a repeatable pace and sustaining operations in demanding mining environments. The reported production interval offers a view of output at the factory visited, while the stated weather capabilities address conditions that could otherwise constrain deployment. Neither figure alone establishes how quickly the broader market can expand.

For mine operators, the key question is how those capabilities translate into dependable daily haulage. If deployments increase as forecast, attention is likely to shift toward vehicle availability, maintenance support and coordination with mine production schedules. For manufacturers, a larger delivery volume could also place greater demands on commissioning and ongoing service.

The projected 10,000-unit threshold remains a shipment forecast, rather than a count of trucks already operating at mines. Subsequent reporting on actual deliveries, commissioning and sustained operating performance will help show whether rising production is translating into wider, reliable use.