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.

A collaboration between Nederman MikroPul’s Australian and Indonesian engineering teams is building a more integrated global solutions network for dust and fume control in complex mining and minerals processing plants. The cross-border model pairs local site delivery and commissioning experience in Australia and South-East Asia with centralised design standards for large baghouses, filtration systems and materials-handling interfaces. For operators, this points to more consistent performance specifications and lifecycle support on multi-site ventilation and emissions-control projects, especially where plants span multiple jurisdictions.

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.