Fortescue fronts half a billion for zero emissions tech

A new deal will see Fortescue spend $US400 million ($618.2 million) on over 100 pieces of zero emissions heavy mobile equipment for its Pilbara iron ore operations.

The deal has been struck with with Chinese heavy machinery manufacturer, XCMG, and will mark the maker’s biggest supply deal outside of China.

Fortescue is set to welcome battery electric wheel loaders, wheel dozers, water carts, float prime movers and graders to its Pilbara operations by 2030.

The use of this equipment will eliminate millions of litres of fossil fuels from Fortescue’s iron ore operations over the life cycle of the assets, with the first pieces of equipment expected to be deployed from 2026.

Fortescue Metals chief executive officer Dino Otranto joined XCMG chair Yang Dongsheng at Bauma China to announce the partnership and recognise the contract award.

“We’re moving rapidly to decarbonise our Pilbara iron ore operations and eliminate our Scope 1 and 2 terrestrial emissions by 2030,” Otranto said.

“To achieve this target, we will need to swap out hundreds of pieces of diesel mining equipment at the end of their life with zero emissions alternatives.

“We’re thrilled to partner with XCMG to supply and support cutting-edge battery electric mining equipment, marking another significant step forward in our decarbonisation journey.

“As the global mining industry continues to evolve, we’re proud to be at the forefront of driving innovation in value adding green technology and showing the world that industry can decarbonise.”

Dongsheng said XCMG is dedicated to helping Australian mines achieve long-term, sustainable development.

The company has achieved green electrification across its entire product range, with new energy products accounting for 18 per cent of revenue, leading the industry’s green and low-carbon transformation,” he said.

“This collaboration will significantly contribute to global environmental protection and the development of a green, sustainable economy.”