5th Dec 2025 02:47
(Alliance News) - BHP Group Ltd and Rio Tinto PLC on Friday welcomed the arrival of Caterpillar Inc's first battery‑electric haul trucks to Australia's Pilbara region, marking the start of on‑site trials of heavy‑duty electric mining technology.
BHP, a Melbourne, Australia-based diversified miner and London-based miner Rio Tinto said the Cat 793 XE early learner trucks were delivered to BHP's Jimblebar iron ore mine in Pilbara.
The initiative is aimed at testing whether battery‑electric haulage can match diesel fleets in productivity while cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Commissioning of the trucks will precede trials designed to inform future technology, infrastructure and workforce requirements for lower‑emission mining.
Tim Day, BHP Western Australia Iron Ore Asset president, said: "Powering up our first battery-electric haul trucks in the Pilbara is an important step forward on the mining industry's road to decarbonisation. 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...A significant shift like this demands a strong commitment to research and development, coupled with collaboration across the industry."
Rio Tinto Iron Ore Managing Director Pilbara mines added: "Decarbonising Rio Tinto's fleet across our 18 Pilbara mines is a significant challenge. By exploring solutions like this to reduce emissions, we hope that, over time, we will be able to move away from diesel."
Following the joint trial, BHP and Rio Tinto will separately assess progress toward scaled deployments across their operations.
Shares in BHP were up 0.1% at AUD44.53 in Sydney on Friday afternoon, while Rio Tinto shares closed up 0.1% 5,500.00 each in London on Thursday,
By Judy Amaca, Alliance News reporter Asia-Pacific
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