Fortescue intends to purchase over 100 pieces of zero emissions heavy mobile equipment under a deal with Chinese manufacturer XCMG with a potential value of more than US$400 million.
This marks XCMG’s largest contract outside of China for mining equipment and will see battery electric wheel loaders, wheel dozers, water carts, float prime movers and graders delivered to Fortescue’s Pilbara mining operations by 2030.
“We’re moving rapidly to decarbonise our Pilbara iron ore operations and eliminate our Scope 1 and 2 terrestrial emissions by 2030. To achieve this target, we will need to swap out hundreds of pieces of diesel mining equipment at the end of their life with zero emissions alternatives,” said Fortescue Metals Chief Executive Officer Dino Otranto.
“We’re thrilled to partner with XCMG to supply and support cutting-edge battery electric mining equipment, marking another significant step forward in our decarbonisation journey.”
Fortescue said the XCMG equipment will eliminate millions of litres of fossil fuels from its iron ore operations over the life cycle of the assets, with the first pieces of equipment expected to be deployed in 2026.
Source: Fortescue