BHP and Rio Tinto delay battery-electric haul truck rollout to 2030s

BHP and Rio Tinto have moved their target dates for introducing 240-tonne battery-electric haul trucks from the end of this decade into the 2030s. The companies said the technology is not yet ready for fleet-wide use. The two miners are conducting a joint trial with Caterpillar at BHP’s Jimblebar site in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

Two prototype Cat 793 XE trucks have completed 100 operating hours and 200 laps, showing what the companies described as meaningful progress.

Technology and infrastructure challenges Battery packs for these trucks weigh more than diesel tanks and reduce payload capacity. Charging times can exceed 30 minutes, compared with minutes for refuelling. Mines would also need new charging networks and large-scale renewable generation and storage at remote sites.

BHP stated that no Australian mining operation currently uses 240-tonne battery-electric haul trucks at scale.

Emissions targets and spending BHP aims for a 30 per cent reduction in operational emissions by 2030. Rio Tinto targets a 50 per cent cut by the same year. Both companies said the slower rollout will not prevent them meeting those near-term goals. The delay defers planned capital spending on new vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure.

BHP and Rio Tinto together consume about 2.8 billion litres of diesel annually.

Fortescue’s different approach Fortescue has committed to eliminating fossil fuels from its operations by 2030 without offsets. It expects to take delivery of its first 240-tonne electric truck from Liebherr and plans to source hundreds more from Liebherr and XCMG.