A three-way collaboration between BHP, Rio Tinto, and Caterpillar on two battery-electric haul trucks has officially launched at a mine site demonstration in Western Australia.
The miners and the mining equipment manufacturer launched the trial of two Car 793 XE Early Learner trucks following three months of on-site testing at BHP’s Jimblebar iron ore mine.
In a statement, BHP said the trials have demonstrated “meaningful progress”, reflecting an industry effort in tackling the layered challenge of lowering greenhouse gas emissions throughout large-scale mining operations.
Premier of Western Australia (WA) Roger Cook said that he wants the state’s economy to remain the strongest in the nation, which is why the state’s government is backing BHP and Rio Tinto’s efforts to decarbonise and help make WA an “energy powerhouse”.
“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,” Cook said.
In 2025, BHP Western Australia iron ore asset president Tim Day said that the arrival of the trucks was a big step in the mining industry’s journey to decarbonisation.
“Replacing diesel isn’t just about changing energy sources; it’s about reimagining how we operate and creating the technologies, infrastructure and supply chains to transform mining operations,” he said.
“These trials are a critical part of this work as we bring the testing to the reality of the Pilbara.”
Following extensive safety validation and controlled testing at Caterpillar’s Tucson Proving Ground in the United States, the trucks arrived in Jimblebar late 2025 and are now being put through “their paces” in what BHP said is one of the world’s most demanding mining environments.
It added that the scale and operational intensity of the Pilbara make it an ideal testing ground for the haul trucks, with Jimblebar currently home to two of seven Caterpillar Early Learner battery-electric haul trucks being tested globally.
Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive officer (CEO) Matthew Holcz said that decarbonising haulage across the Pilbara is complex, a challenge that requires collaboration across the industry to solve.
“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,” he said.
Caterpillar Resource Industries vice president of product management Thad Litkenhaus said that working side-by-side with the miners and in that type of demanding environment allows the company to validate its battery-electric trucks and charging infrastructure in the exact conditions that its customers face.
“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 the site,” Litkenhaus said.
The trial is generating critical data to assess technical readiness, infrastructure requirements, and commercial feasibility, including trialling high-powered static and dynamic charging solutions.
There have been more than 100 hours of operation, and over 200 test laps performed in the early testing phase, with insights helping to corroborate key assumptions around safety, technology, and maintenance of the trucks.
WA state Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation Amber-Jade Sanderson said that heavy industry needs to “embrace” the challenge of lowering emissions as WA works towards decarbonising the Pilbara.
“Our Government’s Energy Transition is good for jobs, good for the WA economy and good for the future of this vital region,” she said.
As for the Minister of Mines and Petroleum David Michael, he congratulated BHP, Rio Tinto, and Caterpillar, saying that their commitment and leadership are shown in the building of the machines.
“These trucks exemplify what can be achieved when leaders in our industry collaborate to find a solution to a complex problem,” he said.
“We can’t underestimate what a feat it is to have such innovative, cutting-edge technologies rolled out in the Pilbara.”
