BHP is running battery-electric haul truck trials at the Jimblebar iron ore mine in the Pilbara using two Caterpillar 793 XE Early Learner units, in a joint programme with Caterpillar and Rio Tinto. The focus is on quantifying productivity impacts of static charging, including effects on haul cycle times, truck availability and fleet scheduling compared with diesel 793s. Outcomes will directly inform future pit design, charging bay layout and power infrastructure planning for large-scale BEV deployment on similar ultra-class truck fleets.

RIEGL has launched the miniVZ-500 compact 3D LiDAR sensor at INTERGEO 2026 in Munich, targeting industrial automation, process optimisation, and continuous surveillance and monitoring in mining and other heavy industries. The unit combines high measurement rates with precise signal processing and new dynamic scanning modes, allowing flexible control of scan patterns for moving plant, conveyor lines, and stockpile faces. For mine operators, the compact, lightweight form factor and continuous monitoring capability point to tighter process control and earlier detection of structural or operational anomalies.

BHP has quantified the productivity hit from static charging of battery-electric haul trucks, estimating a loss of about 1000 operating hours per truck per year compared with diesel units in its September 16 ESG roundtable presentation. The miner is therefore prioritising dynamic charging concepts such as trolley-assist and in-pit charging to keep ultra-class fleets closer to current utilisation levels. For mine planners and engineers, the figure frames trade-offs between decarbonisation, fleet size, and potential redesign of haul profiles and power infrastructure.