Charged EVs | BHP and Rio Tinto carry Caterpillar electrical haul vehicles to the Pilbara

Steel and mining big BHP’s Jimblebar iron ore mine within the Pilbara, Western Australia has began on-site testing of Caterpillar’s Cat 793 XE Early Learner electrical haul vehicles in collaboration with Rio Tinto.

As soon as commissioned, the trials will start to check the viability of electrical vehicles as an alternative choice to diesel in large-scale iron ore mining operations. The trials will assist inform the event of know-how, processes, infrastructure and other people required to help electrical equipment in mine websites.

BHP and Rio Tinto are working intently with Caterpillarsupported by Caterpillar tools supplier WesTrac, to speed up improvement and transition their fleets as quickly as commercially and operationally viable.

Following the joint trial, the mining giants will every independently decide progress in the direction of scaled trials inside their operations.

Ongoing testing and improvement all through this trial will inform the strategy the businesses will take to testing a bigger variety of haul vehicles and the potential integration of electrical haul truck fleets.

“Changing diesel isn’t nearly altering power sources, it’s about reimagining how we function and creating the applied sciences, infrastructure and provide chains to rework mining operations. These trials will assist us perceive how all of the items of the puzzle match collectively: the battery applied sciences, era and charging infrastructure, energy administration, in addition to the provision chains to doubtlessly ship this at scale,” mentioned Tim Day, BHP Western Australia Iron Ore Asset President.

“A major shift like this calls for a robust dedication to analysis and improvement, coupled with collaboration throughout the business. That is going to take time to get proper, which is why trials like this one with Rio Tinto and Caterpillar are so important,” Day added.

Supply: Rio Tinto