BHP and Rio Tinto test electric trucks to clean up iron ore

BHP (ASX: BHP), Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) and Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) have launched an industry-first trial of battery-electric haul trucks in Western Australia’s Pilbara, a key step in efforts to reduce emissions from some of the world’s largest mining operations.

The companies unveiled two Cat 793 XE Early Learner battery-electric haul trucks at BHP’s Jimblebar iron ore mine, where the vehicles have undergone three months of initial testing following safety validation at Caterpillar’s Tucson Proving Ground in Arizona, US.

Jimblebar is home to two of seven Caterpillar battery-electric haul trucks currently being tested globally. The trial will assess the trucks’ technical performance, charging requirements and commercial viability in one of mining’s most demanding operating environments.

“These trucks exemplify what can be achieved when leaders in our industry collaborate to find a solution to a complex problem,” Western Australia Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael said.

“We can’t underestimate what a feat it is to have such innovative, cutting-edge technologies rolled out in the Pilbara.”

Charging challenge

The project will evaluate both static and dynamic charging systems, including technology designed to charge the trucks while they are moving. More than 100 operating hours and 200 test laps have already generated data on safety, maintenance and performance.

The trial reflects growing pressure on major miners to decarbonize heavy equipment fleets, one of the industry’s largest sources of operational emissions.

Success in the Pilbara could help accelerate adoption of battery-electric mining equipment across the global resources sector while supporting net-zero ambitions at major producers.