Rio Tinto, BHP launch battery-electric haul truck trials in Pilbara to advance zero-emissions goals

In an unprecedented move in the mining industry, Rio Tinto Group and BHP Group Limited are spearheading the testing of battery-electric haul truck technology in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. This collaborative effort involves global equipment manufacturers Caterpillar Inc. and Komatsu Ltd., aiming to accelerate the adoption and effectiveness of battery-operated heavy machinery in mining operations.

The tests will focus on various aspects of the battery-electric haul trucks, including battery life, static and dynamic charging systems, and overall performance in the challenging Pilbara environment. Scheduled to commence with two Cat 793 trucks in the latter half of 2024 and two Komatsu 930 trucks in 2026, these trials are set to mark a significant step towards reducing the carbon footprint associated with heavy mining equipment.

Simon Trott, Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “This collaboration brings together two leading global miners with two of the world’s biggest manufacturers of haul trucks to work on solving the critical challenge of zero-emissions haulage.”

Revolutionizing the Mining Industry: Rio Tinto and BHP Test Battery-Electric Trucks in Pilbara. Photo courtesy of Komatsu.

Geraldine Slattery, President of BHP Australia, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Operational decarbonisation relies on breakthroughs in technology and partnerships like this will help drive our industry forward.”

Both companies have pledged to achieve net zero operational greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, reflecting their commitment to environmental sustainability. These trials are not only pivotal for BHP and Rio Tinto but could also set a new standard for mining operations worldwide.

Ongoing Efforts and Future Implications

The ongoing development and refinement of the truck and battery designs by Caterpillar and Komatsu are expected to play a crucial role in the potential roll-out of battery-electric fleets across mining operations. The outcomes from these trials will be meticulously analyzed and shared between Rio Tinto and BHP, potentially informing future strategies for wider deployment.

The tests are built on previous collaborations from 2021 where both Rio Tinto and BHP supported the development and validation of prototype battery-electric haul trucks. These prototypes are the basis for the current trucks being tested, which are aimed at significantly cutting down the carbon emissions from diesel consumption—a major contributor to the companies’ Scope 1 and 2 emissions.

By combining their resources and expertise, Rio Tinto and BHP are not only advancing their own sustainability agendas but are also contributing to the broader goal of transforming the mining industry into a more environmentally friendly sector. This initiative represents a critical step towards achieving their shared ambition of a zero-emission future.

This pioneering initiative not only enhances the environmental sustainability of mining operations but also sets a significant precedent for the industry’s move towards greener alternatives. As the results of these trials come forth, they will undoubtedly provide valuable insights into the scalability and practicality of battery-electric technology in one of the world’s most demanding industries.