BHP, the global leader in mining, has outlined its plans for decarbonization in its recent investor briefing. The company aims to reduce operational emissions by at least 30% by 2030 compared to 2020 levels and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
In Chile, BHP plans to implement trolley assist for fleet decarbonization, starting with diesel trolley and transitioning to battery trolley. The implementation is targeted to begin at the Escondida mine in 2028 and at the Spence mine in 2029.
BHP has already partnered with Caterpillar and Finning to replace its fleet with diesel-electric trucks, which will run under trolley operation. At the Spence mine, BHP has started deploying autonomous ultra-class diesel-electric trucks and aims to have 33 autonomous trucks in the fleet. The trolley infrastructure will benefit around 200 trucks, reducing approximately 350 million liters of diesel and accounting for 80% of Scope 1 emissions at these mines.
Before implementing trolley assist, BHP plans to introduce autonomous haulage at both mines to optimize routes, battery charging cycles, and avoid ramp refitting costs with a view to maximize the value and NPV (net present value) of the trolley installation.
After the deployment of diesel-electric trolley assist, BHP expects to reduce haul truck emissions by around 30%. Battery trolley will be phased in after 2030, further reducing the need for static charging.
BHP also discusses truck fleets in Australia, where electrification is the preferred pathway to eliminate diesel. The company believes electrification offers greater energy efficiency compared to alternative fuel sources like hydrogen. BHP plans to trial battery trucks from Caterpillar and Komatsu in 2024, aiming to have battery-electric truck sites in operation from the late 2020s.
Overall, BHP envisions a trolley-assisted future across many of its sites, starting with diesel and transitioning to battery. The company aims to achieve an efficient, low-risk, zero-emissions material handling solution by 2040 through widespread adoption of autonomous, trolley, and battery electric trucks.
Source: INTERNATIONAL MINING
Image Credit (Escondida): BHP