BHP, Rio Tinto and Caterpillar launch battery-electric haul truck trial in the Pilbara
BHP, Rio Tinto and Caterpillar have launched a trial of two Cat 793 XE Early Learner battery-electric haul trucks at a mine-site demonstration in Western Australia’s Pilbara as part of an industry-first collaboration.
After extensive safety validation and controlled testing at Caterpillar’s Tucson Proving Ground in the United States, the trucks arrived at Jimblebar late last year.
Jimblebar is currently home to two of seven Caterpillar Early Learner battery-electric haul trucks being tested globally.
The trial is generating critical data to assess technical readiness, infrastructure requirements and commercial feasibility, including trialling high-powered static and dynamic charging solutions.
More than 100 hours of operation and over 200 test laps have occurred in early phase testing, with insights helping validate key assumptions around safety, technology and maintenance of the trucks.
The next phase of the trial will evaluate dynamic charging via an innovative energy transfer system that will charge the trucks while in motion. This could be one of the keys to unlocking operational efficiency.
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