The first electric excavator in BHP’s fleet is now operational at a Western Australian iron ore mine
BHP’s first electric excavator – the Liebherr R 9400 E – is now operational at its Yandi iron ore mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Instead of a diesel engine, the R 9400 E has an electric motor, with power fed to the machine by a trailing cable.
Equipped with Liebherr’s autonomous cable reeler for optimal on-site mobility, BHP says this innovation boosts productivity and operator safety.
BHP Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) asset president Tim Day says reducing diesel will be key to helping BHP achieve its medium-term target of reducing operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) by at least 30 per cent by the 2029–2030 financial year (FY30).
This is one step in the direction of BHP’s long-term goal of net zero operational GHG emissions by 2050.
“Electrification of our fleet is our preferred solution to displace greenhouse gas emissions from using diesel – from trucks to trains to excavators – we’re working hard to electrify our equipment,” Day says.
“Collaborations with partners like Liebherr are critical to accelerate development of the technology required to reduce diesel emissions, while ensuring we continue to improve the safety and productivity of our operations.”
While decarbonising its mining equipment, BHP aims to switch from diesel to renewable electricity or other low to zero GHG emissions power.
WAIO is unable to purchase renewable electricity through the market as WAIO is not connected to an existing grid, so BHP says it is working through the best way to introduce the large volumes of renewable or other low to zero emissions power that will be needed.
These include actions to decarbonise its sites, with a focus on maximising renewable electricity and other sources of low to zero GHG emissions power, diesel displacement through electrification and working to manage fugitive methane emissions.