Charged EVs | BHP and Rio Tinto bring Caterpillar electric haul trucks to the Pilbara

Metal and mining giant BHP’s Jimblebar iron ore mine in the Pilbara, Western Australia has started on-site testing of Caterpillar’s Cat 793 XE Early Learner electric haul trucks in collaboration with Rio Tinto.

Once commissioned, the trials will begin to test the viability of electric trucks as an alternative to diesel in large-scale iron ore mining operations. The trials will help inform the development of technology, processes, infrastructure and people required to support electric machinery in mine sites.

BHP and Rio Tinto are working closely with Caterpillar, supported by Caterpillar equipment dealer WesTrac, to accelerate development and transition their fleets as soon as commercially and operationally viable.

Following the joint trial, the mining giants will each independently determine progress towards scaled trials within their operations.

Ongoing testing and development throughout this trial will inform the approach the companies will take to testing a larger number of haul trucks and the potential integration of electric haul truck fleets.

“Replacing diesel isn’t just about changing energy sources, it’s about reimagining how we operate and creating the technologies, infrastructure and supply chains to transform mining operations. 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, BHP Western Australia Iron Ore Asset President.

“A significant shift like this demands a strong commitment to research and development, coupled with collaboration across the industry. This is going to take time to get right, which is why trials like this one with Rio Tinto and Caterpillar are so critical,” Day added.

Source: Rio Tinto