Liebherr and BHP have announced a Global Framework Agreement (GFA) to further cement their long-standing partnership, uniting both companies in their shared pursuit of cutting-edge mining solutions.

Building on a history of successful collaboration, the GFA merges BHP’s drive for responsible resource extraction with Liebherr’s technological expertise in heavy machinery, the companies say. Together, they aim to continue pushing the boundaries of operational efficiency while enabling greenhouse gas emission reductions for BHP’s operations.

“This extension is a testament to the strength of Liebherr’s relationship with BHP and our shared vision for the future of mining,” Dr Jörg Lukowski, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Liebherr-Mining Equipment SAS, says. “Over the years, we’ve worked closely with BHP to develop solutions that not only improve operational efficiency but also drive more sustainable outcomes. We are excited to continue this journey and deliver the latest advancements in automation, digitalisation and electrification to their operations globally.”

Under this agreement, Liebherr and BHP will collaborate closely on delivering world-class machine performance and integrating the latest advancements in safety, automation, digitalisation and electrification across BHP’s global mining operations.

The partnership between Liebherr and BHP, which spans more than two decades, has seen the deployment of Liebherr ultra-class excavators across BHP’s global assets, including R 9600 Generation 8 machines. Notably, BHP’s flagship South Flank iron ore operation in the Pilbara region of Western Australia received its first R 9600 in March 2020. In early 2024, BHP took delivery of its first electric excavator at its Yandi mine – a Liebherr R 9400 E. This machine is a fully electric version of the R 9400.

BHP’s chief commercial officer, Ragnar Udd, says: “This renewed agreement between BHP and Liebherr not only reaffirms our trusted partnership over the years but also signals our collective ambition towards helping to influence the future of mining through innovation, safety, productivity, operational excellence and greater sustainability.”