CAT 793 XE electric dumper at the heart of BHP-Rio Tinto collaboration
They are currently being deployed on several trial routes in Western Australia's Pilbara mining region. Senior local authorities were also present at the event
An electric giant is roaming the mines at the edge of the world. But don’t worry, this has nothing to do with Norse mythology, let alone science fiction. That’s because the collaboration launched by Caterpillar in Western Australia with BHP and Rio Tinto — two of the world’s largest mining multinationals — is an extremely concrete one. At its centre are two enormous electric mining dumpers, the Cat 793 XE Early Learner.
An Early Learner in the Australian Continent
Trials of the two mining dumpers are taking place in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, as part of an unprecedented industry collaboration. After three months of field testing at BHP’s Jimblebar iron ore mine, the trial is showing significant progress and reflects the sector’s commitment to tackling the complex challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in large-scale mining operations.
Following thorough safety verification and a series of controlled tests at Caterpillar’s Tucson Proving Ground in the United States, the trucks arrived at Jimblebar late last year and are now being put through their paces in one of the world’s most demanding mining environments.
The scale and operational intensity of the Pilbara region make it an ideal proving ground for haul trucks. Jimblebar currently hosts two of the seven Caterpillar “Early Learner” battery-electric haul trucks being tested globally. The trial is providing critical data to assess technical maturity, infrastructure requirements and commercial viability, including trials of high-power static and dynamic charging solutions. The initial testing phase has logged more than 100 hours of operation and over 200 test laps, with results helping to validate key assumptions around truck safety, technology and maintenance.
The next phase of testing will evaluate dynamic charging via an innovative energy transfer system that will charge the trucks while they are in motion. This could prove to be one of the key elements in achieving operational efficiency. Western Australian Premier Roger Cook and Minister for Mines and Petroleum David Michael joined representatives from BHP, Rio Tinto, Caterpillar and WesTrac to observe the trucks in operation.
Insights from the Management
“I want Western Australia’s economy to remain the strongest in the country, which is why my government fully supports BHP and Rio Tinto’s efforts towards decarbonisation and helping to make Western Australia a renewable energy powerhouse,” said Roger Cook, Premier of Western Australia. “Thanks to Caterpillar, these electric trucks will help realize my government’s vision of reducing emissions in the Pilbara region, so that this area can continue to support both the Western Australian and national economies.“
“Heavy industry must rise to the challenge of cutting its own emissions as we work to decarbonise the Pilbara,” said Amber-Jade Sanderson, Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation. “Our government’s energy transition is good for jobs, for the Western Australian economy and for the future of this vital region. It’s fantastic to see mining companies trialling battery-powered haul trucks in the Pilbara — this is an important step towards net zero emissions.”
Geraldine Slattery, President of BHP Australia, echoed these sentiments. “Investing in battery-electric haul truck technology and operations in the Pilbara region is fundamental to our decarbonisation. This trial is helping to advance the technology we need and improve our understanding of how to extend it across all our operations, from charging infrastructure and energy management through to how it integrates into safe and productive operations.”
“That’s exactly why industry collaboration is so important,” Slattery continued. “By working together, we can accelerate progress on the technologies that make electrification possible, both for mining operations and supply chain needs. BHP remains on track to meet its target of reducing operational greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30% by FY2030 compared with FY2020 levels.“
Cat 793 XE Early Learner Electric Dumper at a Glance
- November 22, 2022: Cat announced a successful demonstration of its first electric 793 large dumper;
- During the event, Caterpillar monitored over 1,100 data channels, gathering 110,000 data points per second;
- The truck achieved a top speed of 60 km/h;
- The mining truck traveled one kilometer (0.62 mile) up a 10% grade at 12 km/h;
- The truck also performed a one kilometer (0.62 mile) run on a 10% downhill grade.
Where were they tested in the US?
Caterpillar completed building and testing seven Cat 793 XE Early Learner battery electric trucks at its Tucson Proving Ground facility in Green Valley, Arizona.
What is BHP?
BHP Group Limited, founded as the Broken Hill Proprietary Company, is an Australian multinational mining and metals corporation. BHP was established in August 1885 in Broken Hill and is headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria. The company specialises in mining and selling irone ore, copper and coal.
And What About Rio tinto?
Rio Tinto Group is a British-Australian mining multinational, dual-headquartered in London and Melbourne. Founded in 1873 when British investors bought a mine complex on Spain’s Río Tinto, it has since grown through numerous mergers and acquisitions into a leading producer of copper, iron ore, aluminium and lithium.
