BHP, Rio Tinto and Caterpillar have begun testing battery-electric haul trucks at BHP’s Jimblebar iron ore mine in Western Australia’s Pilbara, with the industry-first collaboration generating data to support mine electrification, lower emissions and the future deployment of battery-electric mining fleets.
BHP, Rio Tinto and Caterpillar have launched an industry-first trial of two Cat® 793 XE Early Learner battery-electric haul trucks at BHP’s Jimblebar iron ore mine in Western Australia’s Pilbara.
Following three months of on-site testing, the trial is generating data to assess the technical readiness, infrastructure requirements and commercial feasibility of battery-electric haul trucks in one of the world’s most demanding mining environments.
Jimblebar is currently home to two of the seven Caterpillar Early Learner battery-electric haul trucks being tested globally.
Following extensive safety validation and controlled testing at Caterpillar’s Tucson Proving Ground in the US, the trucks arrived at Jimblebar late last year and are now operating in the Pilbara.
The trial includes testing high-powered static and dynamic charging solutions, with more than 100 hours of operation and over 200 test laps completed during the initial phase. The data collected is helping validate key assumptions around safety, technology and maintenance.
The next phase will assess dynamic charging using an energy transfer system designed to charge the trucks while they are in motion, with the aim of improving operational efficiency.
Western Australia Premier Roger Cook, Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson, and Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael attended the demonstration alongside representatives from BHP, Rio Tinto, Caterpillar and WesTrac.
Roger Cook, Premier of Western Australia, said: “I want Western Australia’s economy to remain the strongest in the nation, which is why my government is fully behind BHP and Rio Tinto’s efforts to decarbonise and help make WA a renewable energy powerhouse.
“Thanks to Caterpillar, these electric trucks will help deliver my government’s vision of reducing emissions in the Pilbara so this region can continue keeping both the WA and national economy strong.”
Amber-Jade Sanderson, Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation, said: “Heavy industry needs to embrace the challenge of lowering their emissions as we work towards decarbonising the Pilbara.
“Our Government’s Energy Transition is good for jobs, good for the WA economy and good for the future of this vital region.
“It’s great to see mining companies trialling battery-electric haul trucks in the Pilbara – this is an important step towards net zero.”
David Michael, Minister for Mines and Petroleum, said: “Congratulations to BHP, Rio Tinto and Caterpillar on the commitment and leadership shown in building these machines.
“These trucks exemplify what can be achieved when leaders in our industry collaborate to find a solution to a complex problem.
“We can’t underestimate what a feat it is to have such innovative, cutting-edge technologies rolled out in the Pilbara.
“It is machinery like this that will have a meaningful impact on reducing carbon emissions from mining operations.”
Matthew Holcz, Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive, said: “Decarbonising haulage across the Pilbara is a complex challenge that is going to require collaboration across industry to solve.
“This trial will give us real-world data in some of the most demanding operating conditions on earth.
“The Pilbara’s scale and intensity are unique, and that’s exactly what makes it the right place to test this technology to understand what’s needed to support broader deployment.”
Geraldine Slattery, BHP President Australia, 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.
“This is exactly why industry collaboration matters. By working together, we can accelerate progress in the technologies enabling electrification, on what is needed in the mining operation, and in the supply chain.
“BHP remains on track to meet our target of at least a 30 per cent reduction to our operational greenhouse gas emissions by FY2030 from FY2020 levels.”
Thad Litkenhus, Caterpillar Resource Industries Vice President of Product Management, said: “Working side by side in the Pilbara’s demanding environment allows us to validate battery-electric trucks and charging infrastructure in the exact conditions our customers face.
“What matters is how we translate what we’re learning into better outcomes, from improved energy efficiency to supporting lower emissions and more reliable performance at site.
“The progress we’re seeing is helping accelerate the development of solutions that our customers can implement with confidence.”
