Three major players in bulk handling and mining Rio Tinto, BHP, and Caterpillar have unveiled the trial of two Cat 793 Early Learner battery-electric haul trucks in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.
The industry-first collaboration comes amidst three months of on-site testing at BHP’s Jimblebar iron ore mine, in a means to lower greenhouse gas emissions throughout large-scale mining operations.
Rio Tinto iron ore chief executive officer Matthew Holcz said decarbonising haulage across the Pilbara is a “complex” process and will require the combined efforts of the entire industry at large.
“This trial will give us real-world data in some of the most demanding operating conditions on earth,” Holcz said.
“The Pilbara’s scale and intensity are unique, and that’s exactly what makes it the right place to test this technology to understand what’s needed to support broader deployment.”
BHP President Australia Geraldine Slattery reemphasised much of Holcz’s statement and said investing in technology and haul trucks, such as the likes of Caterpillar, will be integral to the ongoing decarbonisation operations in the Pilbara.
“This trial is helping to advance the technology we need and improve our understanding of how to scale across our operations, from charging infrastructure and energy management through to how it integrates into safe and productive operations,” Slattery said.
“This is exactly why industry collaboration matters. By working together, we can accelerate progress in the technologies enabling electrification, on what is needed in the mining operation, and in the supply chain.
“BHP remains on track to meet our target of at least a 30 per cent reduction to our operational greenhouse gas emissions by FY2030 from FY2020 levels.”
The trucks arrived at the Jimblebar site in late 2025 after extensive safety checks performed at Caterpillar’s Tucson Proving Ground in the United States.
The trial is generating critical data to assess technical readiness, infrastructure requirements and commercial feasibility, including trialling high-powered static and dynamic charging solutions.
More than 100 hours of operation and over 200 test laps have occurred in early phase testing, with insights helping validate key assumptions around safety, technology and maintenance of the trucks.
The next phase of the trial will evaluate dynamic charging via an innovative energy transfer system that will charge the trucks while in motion.
Western Australia Premier Roger Cook and mines and petroleum Minister David Michael joined representatives from BHP, Rio Tinto, Caterpillar and WesTrac to see the trucks in operation.
Cook said the operation has the potential to help make Western Australia a “renewable energy powerhouse”.
“I want Western Australia’s economy to remain the strongest in the nation, which is why my government is fully behind BHP and Rio Tinto’s efforts to decarbonise,” Cook said.
“Thanks to Caterpillar, these electric trucks will help deliver my government’s vision of reducing emissions in the Pilbara so this region can continue keeping both the WA and national economy strong.”
Caterpillar resources industries Vice President of product management Thad Litkenhus said working alongside BHP and Rio Tinto in the Pilbara has enabled the company to validate its batter-electric trucks and charging infrastructure in conditions that align closely with its customers.
“What matters is how we translate what we’re learning into better outcomes, from improved energy efficiency to supporting lower emissions and more reliable performance at site,” Litkenhus said.
“The progress we’re seeing is helping accelerate the development of solutions that our customers can implement with confidence.”
