BHP and Rio Tinto are currently testing two Cat 793 XE Early Learner battery-electric haul trucks at a mine-site demonstration in Western Australia’s Pilbara as part of an industry-first collaboration.
The trial is generating critical data to assess technical readiness, infrastructure requirements and commercial feasibility, including trialling high-powered static and dynamic charging solutions. Further, it shows meaningful progress and reflects an industry effort to lower greenhouse gas emissions across large-scale mining operations.
“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,” said Geraldine Slattery, BHP president Australia.
“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.”
After extensive safety validation and controlled testing at Caterpillar’s Tucson Proving Ground in the United States, the trucks arrived at BHP’s Jimblebar iron ore mine late last year and are now being put through their paces in one of the world’s most demanding mining environments.
More than 100 hours of operation and over 200 test laps have occurred in early phase testing, with insights helping validate key assumptions around safety, technology and maintenance of the trucks. The next phase will evaluate dynamic charging via an innovative energy transfer system that will charge the trucks while in motion – a potential breakthrough in operational efficiency.
Source: Caterpillar