BHP and Rio Tinto have deployed two Caterpillar 793 XE Early Learner battery‑electric haul trucks at the Jimblebar iron‑ore mine in the Pilbara, marking the first use of electric heavy haulage in the region’s operations.
The trucks, part of Caterpillar’s Early Learner program, were delivered through a joint effort by the two mining giants and the equipment manufacturer. The trial will evaluate battery performance, charging infrastructure, and how the trucks integrate into existing haulage workflows, with the goal of determining whether a larger fleet can be deployed in the future.
This milestone supports BHP’s and Rio Tinto’s 2050 net‑zero operational emissions targets and could reduce diesel fuel costs and emissions across the Pilbara assets. Successful testing would accelerate the transition to electric haulage, improve operational efficiency, and reinforce the companies’ positions as leaders in mining decarbonisation.
Tim Day, BHP’s Western Australia Iron Ore Asset President, said the trial “is an important step forward on the mining industry’s road to decarbonisation” and that it “will help us understand how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together.” Rio Tinto’s Andrew Wilson noted that “no single company can achieve zero‑emission haulage on its own” and that the collaboration is essential for industry‑wide progress. Caterpillar’s Marc Cameron highlighted the partnership as a key driver of “accelerating innovation and shaping the next generation of mining technology.”
The trial will inform a decision on scaling the fleet, but the companies acknowledge that challenges remain, including charging times, productivity impacts, and the capital required for infrastructure. Both BHP and Rio Tinto will independently assess the data collected to determine the feasibility of broader deployment.
While no immediate market reaction has been reported, the deployment signals a tangible step toward ESG goals that may influence investor perception and position the companies ahead of peers in the transition to low‑carbon mining operations.
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