BHP and Rio Tinto Begin Trials of Australia’s First Battery-Electric Haul Trucks
BHP and Rio Tinto Launch Pilbara Trials of Cat 793 XE Battery-Electric Haul Trucks to Cut Mining Emissions
Diversified mining giants BHP and Rio Tinto have received Australia’s first Cat 793 XE Early Learner battery-electric haul trucks at BHP’s Jimblebar mine, marking the start of on-site trials for Caterpillar’s zero-exhaust heavy haulage technology in the Pilbara region.
The two trucks, supplied under a pioneering collaboration between BHP, Rio Tinto, and Caterpillar, will undergo commissioning before formal trials begin. The tests aim to evaluate whether battery-electric haulage can replace diesel in large-scale iron ore operations, and to determine the infrastructure and operational adjustments required for a transition to low-emissions mining fleets.
“Powering up our first battery-electric haul trucks in the Pilbara is an important step on the mining industry’s road to decarbonisation,” said Tim Day, BHP Western Australia Iron Ore asset president.
“Replacing diesel is not just about switching energy sources—it requires reimagining operations and creating the technologies, infrastructure, and supply chains to transform mining.
These trials will help us understand how battery technology, generation and charging infrastructure, power management, and supply chains can work together at scale,” he added.
Day emphasized that the transition will require sustained research and collaboration. “This is going to take time to get right, which is why trials like this one with Rio Tinto and Caterpillar are so critical. We are excited about the insights we will gain to accelerate this transition.”
Andrew Wilson, Rio Tinto Iron Ore Pilbara Mines MD, noted that decarbonizing the company’s truck fleet across 18 mines is a major challenge. “Exploring solutions like this helps reduce emissions and move away from diesel over time.
No single company can achieve zero-emissions haulage alone. It takes the entire industry working together, which is why we are collaborating with BHP and Caterpillar to develop solutions that support our net-zero commitments.”
After the joint trial period, BHP and Rio Tinto will independently determine the next phase, including potential fleet integration and scaled trials. The collaboration is a key part of both companies’ strategies to achieve operational net-zero emissions by 2050.
