BHP partners with Caterpillar for zero-emission mining trucks

Mining company BHP has partnered with mining equipment provider Caterpillar to develop and deploy a fleet of zero-emissions trucks as the mining giant looks to shift further away from fossil fuels.

The miner recently sold off its oil & gas unit in a merger with Australia's Woodside - a sector that only accounted for 5% of its profits. This new venture sees BHP looking to actively reduce its operational greenhouse gas emissions.

Read more: BHP hopes to leave fossil fuels behind it as it sells off oil & gas unit

The two companies have been working together for around 12 months to test the viability of the fleet across various sites, such as analysing energy demand and potential options.

BHP has pledged to become carbon-neutral by 2050 and this new deal will allow them to have early access to new technologies developed by Caterpillar.

The collaboration will help shape the processes, technology and infrastructure that will be required to support zero-emissions machines and the mine sites of the future.

The partnership will also cover other key areas for sustainability. Both companies will be using the information learned from the feasibility stage in using it to create machinery that can be operated and serviced "by a broader range of the workforce", which could include increased accessibility for workers with disabilities.

Vandita Pant, BHP's CCO described the battle again climate change as "a critical global challenge" and the partnership could stand to "help accelerate the transition to a low carbon future".

Read more: World's first fossil-free steel produced by Sweden's HYBRIT

"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," she added.

Caterpillar's president Denise Johnson said: “Caterpillar is pleased to work with BHP on the next generation of large mining trucks and mine site technology. Deeply integrating our teams and timelines, will allow for faster deployment to deliver zero-emissions solutions.”

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