BHP And Rio Tinto Begin Trials Of CAT Electric Haul Trucks In Australia

Dubai (PlantAndEquipment.com) - Australia's first Caterpillar 793 XE battery-electric haul trucks have arrived at BHP's Jimblebar iron ore mine in Western Australia's Pilbara area, kicking off on-site testing of battery-electric heavy haulage technology.

The two trucks are being tested in a collaborative experiment by BHP, Rio Tinto, and Caterpillar to determine the feasibility of battery-electric alternatives to diesel-powered haulage in large-scale iron ore mining.

Once activated, the study will assess truck performance, charging needs, and operational integration in Pilbara conditions. The findings are likely to guide future development of the technology, infrastructure, and workforce competencies required to enable low-emission mining operations.

Decarbonizing iron ore operations in the Pilbara will rely on technological and scientific advancements, with the partnership aimed at accelerating the development and future deployment of battery-electric haulage fleets once financially and operationally feasible.

Following the collaborative testing phase, BHP and Rio Tinto will independently analyze the feasibility of additional trials inside their respective businesses.

The project is consistent with the firms' long-term efforts to minimize operational greenhouse gas emissions and supports their net zero goals for mining operations by 2050.