BHP to test static and dynamic charging at Jimblebar as part of battery-electric truck fleet viability assessments
BHP, in its just released annual results report, has provided an update on its diesel displacement efforts across the group, reflecting on ongoing work with OEMs and technology partners to electrify its mobile equipment.
Following significant progress in reducing emissions from electricity, diesel displacement is viewed as the largest lever to reduce operational GHG emissions across BHP operations in the future, it noted, with electrification remaining its preferred long-term pathway to displace diesel.
It stated: “Like other miners around the world, BHP’s operations have relied on diesel for material movements for over 50 years. Battery-electric mining systems required for large-scale operations are still being developed and validated.”
While significant progress has been made, it noted that successful deployment of electrified solutions requires the integration of battery-electric equipment, workforce capabilities, charging infrastructure, mine planning practices, power management systems, maintenance processes and safety controls into an operating system capable of delivering safe, reliable and productive outcomes at scale to meet BHP requirements.
BHP says it currently does not expect deployment of battery-electric mining systems across its operations until after FY2030 (ending June 30, 2030).
“To address these challenges, we are working with OEMs and technology partners through a structured program of proof-of-concept trials and pilot projects,” it said. “These activities are designed to test technology performance in real mining environments. They strengthen our understanding, support ongoing technology development and build the knowledge and capability required for future deployment decisions.”
In Western Australia, it has commenced proof-of-concept trials of battery-electric equipment in collaboration with OEMs.
As previously reported, at Jimblebar, it is testing two Caterpillar Early Learner battery‑electric haul trucks, one of the first trials of Caterpillar’s battery‑electric haul truck technology in a mining environment.
A key industry challenge is maintaining battery-electric truck productivity while managing charging requirements and, in FY2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027), BHP expects to commission high-power static charging infrastructure and Caterpillar’s Dynamic Energy Transfer (DET) technology at the Jimblebar test facility. Caterpillar’s DET and other forms of innovative dynamic charging could enable haul trucks to receive power while operating on haul roads, it says.
BHP added: “We are evaluating both static and dynamic charging because a combination of these technologies could help address some of the current limitations of battery chemistries and charging downtime to improve the viability of large battery-electric truck fleets.”
While the Early Learner truck and energy transfer solutions remain under development and are not yet commercially available, these trials will test key components associated with electrifying a mine in the Pilbara, one of the harshest and most demanding operating environments in the world. “As with any new technology, we don’t expect progress to be in a straight line, and we will learn as we go,” BHP said.
BHP says its Escondida operation continues to evaluate the integration of 360 t battery-electric haul trucks and supporting charging infrastructure as part of assessing potential pathways to displace diesel. However, battery-electric models for this class of truck, which are larger than those deployed in the Pilbara, are not yet available for trials.
Back at MINExpo 2024, BHP and Caterpillar announced that trials of the DET solution were scheduled to take place at Escondida.
BHP also commenced a trial involving two Wabtec FLXdrive battery-electric locomotives in Port Hedland and took delivery in Perth of two Progress Rail battery-electric locomotives for commissioning and testing in this financial year, expecting these trials to make it one of the first miners globally to be trialling two suppliers’ technologies for these locomotives side by side.
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