en.Wedoany.com Reported - BHP and Rio Tinto are testing two battery-electric mining trucks manufactured by Caterpillar at BHP's Jimblebar iron ore mine in Western Australia, as part of efforts to reduce diesel consumption in operations. The two Cat 793 XE Early Learner models were delivered to the site late last year and have since accumulated over 100 hours of operation and completed 200 test cycles. The companies stated that the trials have shown meaningful progress, noting that the scale and operational intensity of the Pilbara region make it an ideal testing ground for battery-electric technology.
Geraldine Slattery, President of BHP Australia, pointed out that the electrification of mining operations is central to the company's decarbonization goals, and this trial is an indispensable part of that effort. Diesel-powered mining trucks are one of the largest sources of Scope 1 emissions in open-pit mining, consuming approximately 40% to 50% of diesel in large-scale operations. Slattery stated that investing in the technology and operations of battery-electric mining truck fleets in the Pilbara is key to achieving decarbonization, and the trial helps advance technical and engineering aspects related to battery energy management, power demand, and the safe, efficient, and reliable scaling of operations.
The Jimblebar mine currently operates two Cat 793 XE Early Learner mining trucks, with a total of seven identical models being tested globally. The battery-electric trucks have the same load capacity as diesel trucks, at 240 tons, and are powered by a 564 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack and a 480 kW electric motor, enabling 24/7 operation through regenerative braking on downhill sections. Initial testing focuses on battery performance under repeated charge-discharge cycles, energy consumption per haul cycle, regenerative recovery efficiency, and the adaptability of charging infrastructure under real-world conditions. The next phase of trials will test dynamic charging technology, aimed at charging the vehicles while they are in motion. The data collected will be used to assess technology maturity, infrastructure requirements, commercial viability, and to inform potential integration of battery-electric mining truck fleets by the companies.
Slattery emphasized that while electrification is central to BHP's decarbonization strategy, its effectiveness depends on mature capabilities for scaled operations, which is why this industry-first collaboration with Rio Tinto and Caterpillar was initiated. She stated that by working together, they can accelerate the advancement of electrification technologies that meet mining operational needs and span the supply chain.
