BHP has announced plans to trial Caterpillar’s (Cat) Cat Dynamic Energy Transfer (DET) system on battery electric and diesel electric mining trucks across its sites.
First launched at MINExpo earlier this month, the technology is able to transfer energy to both diesel electric and battery electric large mining trucks while they are working around a mine site.
It can also charge an electric haul truck’s batteries while the machine is on the move, with the flexible system infrastructure allowing it to be relocated easily.
Trials of the technology will include validating the solution at BHP’s iron ore and copper sites, using a CAT 793 fleet at the Jimblebar iron ore mine in Western Australia and a CAT 798 fleet at the Escondida copper mine in Chile.
“We are pleased to be able to trial the DET technology that Caterpillar has developed, and it is a welcome addition in our plans to enable zero-emissions mining truck deployment at BHP,” BHP chief commercial officer Ragnar Udd 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.”
Caterpillar group president Denise Johnson said BHP provides valuable feedback to the original equipment manufacturer.
“We look forward to continuing that collaboration as we work together to trial the Cat DET system on both diesel electric and battery electric trucks at BHP’s sites,” Johnson 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.”
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