BHP Accelerates Electrification with New Battery Technology Partnerships in China
BHP Partners with CATL and BYD’s FinDreams to Accelerate Battery-Powered Mining and Cut Emissions
Global mining giant BHP is ramping up its electrification strategy through preliminary agreements with two leading Chinese battery manufacturers.
These initiatives aim to integrate advanced battery technologies across BHP’s worldwide operations.
On Monday, the Melbourne-based company announced the signing of two memoranda of understanding (MoUs): one with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), and the other with FinDreams Battery (FDB), a subsidiary of the BYD Group.
Under its agreement with CATL, BHP will explore the development of battery-powered mining equipment and locomotives, as well as supporting infrastructure for rapid charging.
The partnership will also assess opportunities in energy storage systems and battery recycling for mining applications.
A major focus of the collaboration is advancing the circular economy by enhancing battery recycling capabilities.
This includes leveraging BHP’s copper operations to support more sustainable value chains in the mining sector.
“CATL is a global leader in advanced battery technology, energy storage solutions, and battery recycling—and a natural partner for BHP,” said Rashpal Bhatti, BHP’s Procurement Officer.
“By working with companies like CATL, we aim to find solutions that drive greater efficiency and sustainability in the resources industry.”
The MoU with FDB will focus on evaluating battery solutions for heavy mining equipment and locomotives, along with adjacent flash-charging infrastructure.
Additionally, BHP and FDB will explore the use of BYD’s commercial and light electric vehicles to support BHP’s efforts to reduce reliance on diesel.
“BYD is a global leader in battery development and a fast-growing force in electric vehicle manufacturing,” BHP stated.
“Through this engagement, BHP aims to assess the potential of these technologies in mining, while also exploring BYD’s capabilities in energy storage and battery recycling.”
Jack Li, General Manager of Global Commercial Vehicles at FDB, described the partnership as a “pivotal milestone,” noting that BHP’s ambition to reach net-zero operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions aligns with FDB’s mission.
BHP has set a long-term goal to achieve net-zero operational GHG emissions (Scope 1 and 2 from operated assets) by 2050. These partnerships mark a significant step in advancing that target.
The agreements follow a recent announcement regarding BHP’s efforts to cut emissions in maritime transport.
Last week, BHP signed a deal with China’s COSCO Shipping Group to charter two ammonia dual-fuelled Newcastlemax bulk carriers. When fueled with low- or zero-emissions ammonia, these vessels could reduce emissions by 50% to 95% per voyage compared to conventional fuels.
