BHP today announced a partnership with Caterpillar Inc to develop and deploy zero-emissions mining trucks at BHP sites to reduce operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This milestone is the result of over 12 months of close collaboration between BHP and Caterpillar Inc in analysing energy demands and the options to apply this new technology on BHP sites.
The focus is on battery powered trucks as Karl Weiss, Caterpillar VP and CTO stated in an online post: “Our team is eager to collaborate with BHP to accelerate Caterpillar’s design and deployment of zero-emissions battery powered large mining trucks. These iconic machines are symbolic of the mining industry, and we’re honoured to be a part of the team that is transforming the way miners will work into the future to build a better, more sustainable world.”
In its statement on the partnership Caterpillar also commented: “BHP, a world-leading resources company and one of Caterpillar’s largest customers, announced an agreement with Caterpillar to develop zero-emissions battery powered large mining trucks. These brand-new trucks, to be designed and built by Caterpillar, will facilitate the trajectory of zero-emissions mining worldwide. Mining trucks are the lifeblood of mine sites around the world – which makes them a key component in plans to achieve sustainability and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions goals. Like Caterpillar, BHP is serious about addressing climate change; they are committed to being a net-zero operator by 2050. We’re excited to be part of a valued customer’s plan to reach aspirational goals to build a better world.”
BHP stated: “To support progress towards BHP’s long-term goal of achieving net zero operational GHG emissions (Scope 1 and 2 from our operated assets) by 2050, BHP will have early access to zero-emissions equipment developed by Caterpillar and hands-on learning opportunities to ensure successful deployment at BHP sites. The collaboration will help shape the processes, technology and infrastructure that will be required to support zero-emissions machines and the mine sites of the future.”
Another critical element of the collaboration will be to extend the parties’ efforts to support a more inclusive mining industry. Over the coming year, BHP intends to provide frontline operator and maintainer input into the Caterpillar design process, to support the development of machines that can be operated and serviced by a broader range of the workforce.
BHP’s Chief Commercial Officer, Vandita Pant, said: “We are pleased to announce our partnership with Caterpillar Inc to develop and deploy zero-emissions mining trucks at BHP. Climate change is a critical global challenge and we know that partnering with others will help accelerate the transition to a low carbon future. The opportunity for our teams to input into the design process also gives us confidence that the trucks will be safer and easier to operate for a workforce that’s more diverse than ever.”
Denise Johnson, Caterpillar Group President, said: “Caterpillar is pleased to work with BHP on the next generation of large mining trucks and mine site technology. Deeply integrating our teams and timelines, will allow for faster deployment to deliver zero-emissions solutions.”
