Mining Technology

BHP and partners test electric haul trucks at Pilbara mining site

Since arriving at Jimblebar late last year, the vehicles have accumulated more than 100 operating hours and completed 200 test laps.

BHP, Rio Tinto and Caterpillar have begun a trial of two Cat 793 XE Early Learner battery-electric haul trucks at the Jimblebar iron ore mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia (WA).

The project is a joint effort between the mining companies and the equipment manufacturer to explore the potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in large-scale mining operations.

Testing got under way after safety validation and controlled trials took place at Caterpillar’s Tucson Proving Ground in the US.

The two vehicles, delivered to BHP’s Jimblebar site late last year, have been operating for more than 100 hours and have completed in excess of 200 test laps.

Data collected during the initial phase is being used to evaluate technical readiness, infrastructure requirements and commercial feasibility for using battery-electric haul trucks in mining.

BHP Australia president Geraldine Slattery said: “Investing in battery-electric haul truck fleet technology and operations in the Pilbara is key to our decarbonisation.

“This trial is helping to advance the technology we need and improve our understanding of how to scale across our operations, from charging infrastructure and energy management through to how it integrates into safe and productive operations.

“BHP remains on track to meet our target of at least a 30% reduction to our operational greenhouse gas emissions by FY2030 [fiscal year 2030] from FY2020 levels.”

Jimblebar is currently hosting two of the seven Caterpillar Early Learner battery-electric haul trucks being tested worldwide.

Testing focuses on both static and dynamic charging technologies, including trials of high-powered charging solutions designed to meet the demands of large-scale mining.

The next stage will examine a dynamic charging system intended to recharge trucks while they are moving.

Representatives from BHP, Rio Tinto, Caterpillar and WesTrac, alongside WA Premier Roger Cook and Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael, observed the vehicles during a demonstration at the Jimblebar site.

The trial is seen as a significant step by participating companies in addressing the challenges of decarbonising mining activities.

Earlier this year, BHP and Rio Tinto announced plans to jointly mine up to 200 million tonnes of iron ore from their adjacent Yandicoogina and Yandi sites in the Pilbara region.