Mining companies BHP and Rio Tinto, together with Caterpillar, have commenced field trials of two Cat 793 XE Early Learner battery-electric haul trucks at BHP’s Jimblebar iron ore mine in Western Australia’s Pilbara region as part of an industry-first collaboration aimed at reducing emissions from large-scale mining operations.
The trucks, which arrived at the mine late last year following testing at Caterpillar’s proving ground in Arizona, have completed more than 100 operating hours and over 200 test cycles during the initial three-month trial.
The project is evaluating the technical performance, infrastructure requirements and commercial viability of battery-electric haul trucks under Pilbara operating conditions. The trial also includes testing of both static and dynamic charging technologies, with the next phase focusing on an in-motion charging system designed to improve operating efficiency.
Jimblebar currently hosts two of Caterpillar’s seven Early Learner battery-electric haul trucks being tested globally, making the Pilbara one of the key locations for the development of next-generation mining equipment.
BHP said the trial will support its target of reducing operational greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30pct by FY2030 from FY2020 levels, while Rio Tinto said the project will provide real-world operating data to support the wider deployment of battery-electric mining fleets.