Australia’s first Cat® 793 XE Early Learner battery-electric haul trucks arrived at BHP’s Jimblebar iron ore mine in the Pilbara, marking the start of on-site testing in collaboration with Rio Tinto and Caterpillar. The two trucks, delivered through an industry-first partnership, aim to explore battery-electric technology as an alternative to diesel in large-scale iron ore mining.

Once safely commissioned, the trials will begin to test the viability of the trucks while maintaining productivity and performance, and will help inform the development of technology, processes, infrastructure, and workforce for lower-emission operations. BHP and Rio Tinto will independently determine progress toward scaled deployment after the joint trial.