WESTERN AUSTRALIA – Global mining giants BHP, Rio Tinto and Caterpillar have reached a major milestone in mine decarbonisation with the successful launch of an industry-first trial involving two Cat® 793 XE Early Learner battery-electric haul trucks at BHP’s Jimblebar iron ore mine in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

The collaborative initiative aims to accelerate the mining industry’s transition toward lower-emission operations by testing battery-electric haulage technology under real-world mining conditions.

Following extensive safety validation and performance testing at Caterpillar’s Tucson Proving Ground in the United States, the battery-electric haul trucks arrived at the Jimblebar mine late last year. They have since completed more than three months of on-site testing in one of the world’s most demanding mining environments.

Promising Early Results

The Pilbara’s large-scale mining operations provide an ideal setting to evaluate next-generation haulage technology. Jimblebar currently hosts two of only seven Caterpillar Early Learner battery-electric haul trucks undergoing global field trials.

To date, the trucks have accumulated more than 100 operating hours and completed over 200 test cycles, providing valuable insights into safety performance, equipment reliability, maintenance requirements and operational efficiency.

The project is also assessing the infrastructure needed to support battery-electric fleets, including both high-powered static charging stations and advanced charging technologies.

Next Phase to Test Dynamic Charging

The next stage of the programme will focus on evaluating an innovative dynamic charging system, which enables the haul trucks to recharge while travelling. The technology has the potential to significantly improve productivity by reducing charging downtime and extending operating cycles.

Data collected throughout the trial will help determine the technical readiness, infrastructure requirements and commercial viability of deploying battery-electric haul trucks across large-scale mining operations.

Government Backs Low-Carbon Mining

Western Australia Premier Roger Cook, together with Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael, visited the Jimblebar operation to observe the battery-electric trucks in action alongside representatives from BHP, Rio Tinto, Caterpillar and WesTrac.

Premier Roger Cook said the project aligns with the state’s ambition to strengthen its economy while reducing emissions from the mining sector.

“I want Western Australia’s economy to remain the strongest in the nation, which is why my government fully supports BHP and Rio Tinto’s efforts to decarbonise mining and help position Western Australia as a renewable energy powerhouse,” Cook said.

“These battery-electric haul trucks represent an important step in reducing emissions across the Pilbara while ensuring the region continues to play a vital role in both the state and national economy.”

Minister for Mines and Petroleum David Michael praised the collaboration between the three companies, describing the project as a demonstration of what can be achieved when industry leaders work together to solve complex challenges.

“These trucks showcase the innovation and leadership required to transform mining operations. Cutting-edge technologies such as these will play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions from the resources sector,” he said.

The trial marks another important step in the global mining industry’s journey toward achieving net-zero emissions, with battery-electric haulage expected to become a key component of future sustainable mining operations.