BHP’s multi-year global collaboration with ABB

BHP (ASX: BHP) has signed a multi-year Global Framework Agreement with ABB to collaborate on project delivery, operations, maintenance and decarbonisation across the mining major’s global operations.

With the goal of net zero by 2050, BHP is making strategic moves to develop and deploy technology as rapidly as possible, while also supporting sustainable growth in copper, potash and iron ore.

BHP chief commercial officer Rag Udd comments on this.

“Strategic partnerships like the one we have with ABB will be integral in supporting BHP’s growth ambitions, such as those we have in South Australia, as well as our operational decarbonisation efforts globally,” he said.

BHP group procurement officer Rashpal Bhatti says this agreement further solidifies the partnership between the two companies.

“[It] will enable even greater collaboration as BHP looks to maintain productive, efficient and safe operations, reach our operational decarbonisation goals, and achieve more sustainable growth,” he said.

“BHP’s relationship with ABB is underpinned by a shared commitment to sustainability, decarbonisation, and generating social value for the communities in which we operate.”

ABB process industries president Joachim Braun says the company is “committed to accelerating the deployment of advanced technologies that not only optimise productivity, but also drive decarbonisation efforts in line with global climate ambitions”.

“ABB is proud to be a trusted partner for BHP in fostering a more resilient and sustainable future,” he said.

ABB study: mining leaders on decarbonisation technologies

This announcement comes days after ABB released a study that revealed 70% of mining leaders believed significant decarbonisation could be achieved with existing technologies.

A total of 412 mining leaders and experts were surveyed across 18 countries for ABB’s global report “Mining’s Moment”.

Key takeaways include 77% of respondents seeing electrification, automation and digital technologies as keys to successful, sustainable transformation of mining, while 53% anticipated significant or complete transformation of their mining operations over the next five years.

This report is the latest installment of ABB’s Real Progress campaign, which aims to showcase the power of technology and expertise to accelerate sustainability while enhancing productivity.

ABB Process Industries global business line manager for mining Max Luedtke comments on this.

“There is real excitement amongst business leaders about the role they are playing in supporting the green energy transition, and they are taking the issue of mining’s impact on our environment seriously,” he said.

“We see this in the successful roll-out and progress towards sustainability targets, the willingness to invest to reach these goals, and the availability of technology that can make real progress, now.

“However, we must not think it is job done.

“A significant minority are struggling to meet their goals.

“Our report outlines three key areas where investment can help mining businesses become more sustainable, step-by-step: investing in their people; investing in technology; and investing in their processes.”