BHP revealed as first customer for Caterpillar technology trial

BHP (ASX: BHP) is the first customer to trial Caterpillar’s Cat dynamic energy transfer (DET) system on battery electric and diesel electric mining trucks across its sites.

Launched at MINExpo INTERNATIONAL®, the technology can transfer energy to both diesel electric and battery electric large mining trucks while they are working on a mine site.

It can also charge an electric haul truck’s battery while the machine is operational and the infrastructure is flexible, meaning it can be easily relocated compared to current offerings.

These trials are the result of over two years of collaboration between BHP and Caterpillar to find sustainable and viable energy transfer solutions.

Work under the trials include validating the solution in BHP’s iron ore and copper businesses, with a CAT 793 fleet to be deployed at Jimblebar, WA, and CAT 798 fleet at Escondida, Chile.

BHP also plans to trial Cat DET as an integrated system with Cat autonomous solutions.

In 2021, BHP announced it would be partnering with Caterpillar to deploy zero-exhaust emissions mining trucks across its sites to reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions.

BHP chief commercial officer Ragnar Udd commented on the trials.

“We are pleased to be able to trial the DET technology that Caterpillar has developed, and it is a welcome addition to our plans to enable zero emissions mining truck deployment at BHP,” he said.

“Innovation and technology will play a crucial role as we work towards BHP’s goal of net zero operational emissions by 2050, and we are determined to keep building partnerships like this to achieve this objective.

“This collaboration is testament of our commitment to find solutions that are sustainable and viable – for us and the broader industry.”

Caterpillar group president Denise Johnson says the company looks forward to continue working with BHP.

“BHP has been part of our Early Learner program from the beginning,” she said.

“This is an important next step to validate the crucial energy management solutions needed to support not only BHP and Caterpillar, but also the broader mining industry.”