Caterpillar Inc. delivered two Cat 793 XE Early Learner battery‑electric haul trucks to BHP’s Jimblebar iron‑ore mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, where the trucks began on‑site testing on December 5 2025 in partnership with Rio Tinto. The trucks are the first large‑scale commercial trials of Caterpillar’s battery‑electric 793 platform, following a prototype demonstration in November 2022 that was part of the company’s Early Learner program.
The deployment marks a pivotal moment for the Pilbara’s iron‑ore sector, which is responsible for a large share of Australia’s mining output and a major source of diesel‑related emissions. By electrifying heavy haulage, the trial demonstrates a viable pathway to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint and supports the net‑zero commitments of both BHP and Rio Tinto. For Caterpillar, the event expands its product portfolio beyond diesel‑powered equipment and opens a new revenue stream in the growing electric‑vehicle market for heavy machinery.
Caterpillar’s early‑learner trucks are designed to operate in remote, off‑grid environments, and the company is developing fast‑charge systems that can be integrated with renewable micro‑grids. The trial provides real‑world data that will inform future production models and help Caterpillar refine its battery chemistry, power‑train architecture, and charging infrastructure. The partnership also strengthens Caterpillar’s dealer and service network in a key commodity market, positioning the company to capture future sales of electric trucks and related support services.
The trial comes amid recent news that Rio Tinto is reviewing its decarbonization budget, a move that could affect future investment in electrification projects. Despite the budgetary scrutiny, Rio Tinto’s managing director for Pilbara mines, Andrew Wilson, emphasized that the company remains committed to reducing fleet emissions and that the Jimblebar trial is a critical learning opportunity for scaling electrification across its 18 Pilbara mines.
BHP’s Tim Day, Western Australia Iron Ore Asset President, said the deployment “is an important step forward on the mining industry’s road to decarbonisation.” Rio Tinto’s Andrew Wilson added that “no single company can achieve zero‑emission haulage on its own; it takes the whole industry working together.” Caterpillar’s Marc Cameron described the arrival of the trucks as a “significant milestone” and highlighted the company’s focus on working with customers to solve operational challenges and accelerate future deployment.
The event underscores the growing momentum toward electrification in the mining sector and signals a shift in Caterpillar’s strategy toward sustainable heavy‑haul solutions. While the trial is still in its early stages, the data gathered will shape the next generation of battery‑electric trucks and could accelerate the adoption of zero‑emission haulage across the industry.
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