Battery Powered Mining Trucks to Support Customer Goals
August 31, 2021
It’s an exciting time at Caterpillar as we support our customers in achieving their climate-related objectives. No doubt, the world is on the cusp of an energy transition to address climate change, promote sustainability, and improve communities where we live and work. The energy transition may be uncharted territory, but we’re focused on teaming up with customers to develop solutions that work.
THE FUTURE STARTS HERE
BHP, a world-leading resources company and one of Caterpillar’s largest customers, announced an agreement with Caterpillar to develop zero-emissions battery powered large mining trucks. These brand-new trucks, to be designed and built by Caterpillar, will facilitate the trajectory of zero-emissions mining worldwide.
Mining trucks are the lifeblood of mine sites around the world – which makes them a key component in plans to achieve sustainability and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions goals. Like Caterpillar, BHP is serious about addressing climate change; they are committed to being a net-zero operator by 2050. We’re excited to be part of a valued customer’s plan to reach aspirational goals to build a better world.
As part of the newly announced agreement, BHP will have early access to the Caterpillar-developed zero-emissions equipment and will provide input to the developing and testing processes. The resulting collaboration will shape the processes, technology and infrastructure that will ultimately support zero-emissions machines and mine sites of the future. This milestone is the result of more than 12 months of close teamwork between BHP and Caterpillar in analyzing energy demands and options to apply new technologies at BHP sites.
DESIGNING FOR DIVERSITY
Diversity and inclusion (D&I) is foundational to both companies’ business strategies. BHP has an unwavering commitment to D&I – in 2016, the company set an aspirational goal to achieve gender balance by 2025. Caterpillar’s continuing journey to build a more globally diverse workforce and inclusive environment is spelled out in its 2021 D&I Report.
Given the D&I passion of both companies, it’s not surprising that a critical element of the newly announced agreement focuses on supporting a more inclusive mining industry. During the design process, BHP will provide critical input to aid Caterpillar in designing machines that can be comfortably operated and serviced by a broad range of the workforce.
BHP Chief Commercial Officer Vandita Pant said: “The opportunity for our teams to input into the design process also gives us confidence that the trucks will be safer and easier to operate for a workforce that’s more diverse than ever.”
DOING WORK THAT MATTERS
BHP and Caterpillar share similar values. Through our collaborative agreement and teamwork, we are putting our unique purposes into action, working together to redefine the mining industry, and helping build a better, more sustainable world for future generations.
