Bagdad’s Autonomous Command Center Comes Online

May 21, 2025 - A bold vision for the future of mining is becoming reality. The new autonomous command center at the company’s Bagdad, Arizona, site officially is up and running, marking a major step forward in the site’s journey to autonomous haulage.

Built from the ground up, this custom-designed facility now serves as the center of Bagdad’s mining operations. It brings traditional dispatch and autonomous control together in one space, driving more connected, responsive operations across the site.

The command center opening reflects months of planning, collaboration and innovation across departments. From the beginning, the project had a clear purpose: create a space that could fully support the needs of the Bagdad Autonomous Haulage System.

Today, it operates 24/7 to provide real-time visibility and control that enhances safety, efficiency and communication. Since coming online in March, the autonomous fleet has expanded to 15 trucks and moved more than 3 million tons of material.

Inside, the space features advanced technology, a full video wall and workstations for designers, controllers, dispatchers and partners. By consolidating teams and tools under one roof, the command center is designed to improve coordination and strengthen support for autonomous operations.

“The completion of the command center is a major achievement for the BAHS project and a turning point for our site,” said Mark Elliott, Project Manager, Engineering II. “I’m incredibly proud of the Engineering Services team, our contractors and the BAHS project team. Thanks to their dedication, we now have a facility built to power the future of mining in Bagdad.”

This achievement marks more than the completion of a building, Elliott said. It signals Bagdad’s leadership in the mining industry and highlights the hard work of employees who are helping Bagdad become the first fully autonomous haul truck fleet in the U.S.

Photo: The new command center provides real-time visibility and control that enhances safety, efficiency and communication.