China’s CiDi is looking to expand internationally as sales of its autonomous mining machines continue to rise
Chinese autonomous mining equipment manufacturer CiDi anticipates an increase in overseas sales this year as it broadens its reach in important global markets.
CiDi, a Chinese autonomous mining equipment manufacturer listed in Hong Kong, anticipates a rise in overseas sales of its autonomous mining machines this year as it seeks to expand beyond China, according to Chief Executive Albert Hu in an interview with Reuters.
Hu stated that the company is enhancing its presence in Australia, where it has already introduced partially autonomous excavators, with a more extensive rollout scheduled for this year. CiDi is actively seeking new contracts in the Middle East, South America, and Europe as the demand for automated mining technology continues to grow.
The company is part of an increasing group of Chinese firms, such as Fujian-based EACON, that are vying to provide self-driving mining trucks and other autonomous equipment designed to lower labor and fuel expenses while enhancing operational safety.
In addition to autonomous haul trucks, CiDi is also working on robotic drilling and explosive-handling machines designed for hazardous mining operations. Hu mentioned that several of the company’s trucks are already fitted with robotic arms, emphasizing the growing integration of robotics and heavy industrial vehicles.
“We’re merging the characteristics of a truck and a robot,” Hu stated, noting that the technology aims to execute hazardous and highly accurate tasks with greater efficiency.
Hu stated that CiDi is strategically positioned to surpass the overall Chinese autonomous mining equipment sector, forecasting that international markets will account for a double-digit percentage of the company’s revenue next year, an increase from the current low single-digit contribution.
In contrast to certain competitors that manage their own truck fleets, CiDi provides hardware and software directly to mine operators, depending on manufacturing partners to produce the vehicles. Hu characterized this business model as “asset-light.”
The company, which went public in Hong Kong in late 2025, saw its revenue more than double last year, reaching 884.8 million yuan ($130.6 million). Hu stated that CiDi’s deployments and revenue in China experienced a remarkable growth of 374% last year, greatly surpassing the industry’s growth rate of approximately 73%.
In a limestone quarry located in Jiangsu province, TCC Group Holdings operates 12 fully electric, driverless mining trucks that autonomously transport limestone throughout the site, recharging without any human involvement. CiDi claims that the operation represents the world’s first fully electric autonomous mining truck fleet.
China continues to be at the forefront of autonomous mining truck technology, with approximately 10% of its mining fleet currently functioning without drivers. CiDi’s global fleet has grown to over 1,700 autonomous vehicles operating in 30 coal mines and quarries, with one operator able to remotely oversee approximately 100 trucks.
Hu stated that overseeing the operation of numerous autonomous vehicles at extensive mining sites is one of the company’s key technological strengths and continues to pose a considerable challenge for competitors.
CiDi is set to introduce robotic explosive-loading vehicles in the third quarter, with autonomous drilling machines to follow early next year. Initial deployments are set for Shanxi and Inner Mongolia, where mine safety has faced heightened scrutiny after a gas explosion resulted in the deaths of 82 workers at a Shanxi coal mine in May.
In line with its strategy for international expansion, CiDi has formed a distribution partnership with the British mining equipment manufacturer MMD Group and is actively pursuing further partnerships with mining companies and equipment manufacturers to expedite its growth in overseas markets.
