BHP’s first electric excavator

BHP’s first electric excavator is now operational at the major miner’s Yandi iron ore mine in the Pilbara region of WA.

Instead of diesel, the R 9400 E Liebherr electric excavator uses an electric motor with power fed to the machine by a trailing machine.

Equipped with Liebherr’s autonomous cable reeler for optimal on-site mobility, the R 9400 E boosts productivity and operator safety.

Reducing diesel usage in BHP’s business is key to helping the company achieve its medium-term target to reduce operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) by at least 30 per cent by the 2029–2030 financial year (FY30) – and ultimately BHP’s long-term goal of net-zero operational GHG emissions by 2050.

“Electrification of our fleet is our preferred solution to displace greenhouse gas emissions from using diesel – from trucks to trains to excavators – we’re working hard to electrify our equipment,” BHP Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) asset president Tim Day said.

“Collaborations with partners like Liebherr are critical to accelerate development of the technology required to reduce diesel emissions, while ensuring we continue to improve the safety and productivity of our operations.”

Liebherr Australia executive general manager of sales and marketing Brian Boitano said the R 9400 E is a testament to Liebherr’s dedication to providing innovative and efficient zero-emission solutions for the mining sector.

“We are thrilled to partner with BHP, a forward-thinking industry leader, to introduce our proven electric excavators into their operations and to help them move forward in their decarbonisation journey,” he said.

In achieving its decarbonisation goals, BHP is focused on switching from diesel to renewable electricity or other low-to-zero GHG emissions power. The miner doesn’t purchase renewable electricity through the market as WAIO is not connected to an existing grid, meaning it will need to strategise new ways of introducing large volumes of renewable or other low-to-zero emissions power.

BHP is also working to manage fugitive methane emissions as part of its decarbonisation efforts.