BHP and Rio Tinto Test Cat Battery Trucks

BHP and Rio Tinto have taken delivery of Australia’s first Cat 793 XE Early Learner battery-electric haul trucks at BHP’s Jimblebar iron ore mine, initiating joint testing of Caterpillar’s zero-exhaust-emission haulage technology in Pilbara conditions. The arrival of the two trucks marks a significant step in assessing whether battery-electric systems can meet the productivity and reliability requirements of large-scale iron ore operations.

The companies intend to use the trials to evaluate battery performance, charging and power management needs, and the broader infrastructure required for future fleets. Insights gained will inform decisions on scaled testing and long-term fleet transition strategies, with both miners targeting net zero operational greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

“Powering up our first battery-electric haul trucks in the Pilbara is an important step forward on the mining industry’s road to decarbonisation… These trials will help us understand how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together: the battery technologies, generation and charging infrastructure, power management, as well as the supply chains to potentially deliver this at scale.” said Tim Day, Western Australia Iron Ore Asset President.

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