Australian mining company BHP has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreements with Chinese companies CATL and BYD to explore the use of battery technologies across its operations.
Recognising the need for innovative solutions to tackle Scope 1 and 2 emissions, BHP says it is working closely with CATL to explore the application of existing and emerging technologies.
BHP and CATL will explore opportunities in battery development for mining equipment and locomotives including rapid charging infrastructure, as well as seeking to understand energy storage systems and battery recycling options for our BHP mining applications.
These efforts are aligned with BHP’s long-term goal to achieve net zero operational greenhouse gas emissions (Scopes 1 and 2 from its operated assets) by CY2050.
CATL is developing cutting-edge battery technologies and energy solutions that support the energy transition and e-mobility. BHP says its innovations present the potential for exciting opportunities to accelerate the mining industry’s decarbonisation transition.
Through this MOU, BHP intends to work with CATL to identify pathways for electrification at its mining operations. The collaboration will also focus on opportunities to advance the circular economy by enhancing battery recycling processes, especially leveraging BHP's copper operations to establish more sustainable value chains within the mining sector.
BHP Group procurement officer Rashpal Bhatti commented: “This strategic relationship marks further progress in BHP’s work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our operations and enable support for further developments within the global resources sector.
“CATL is a global leader in advanced battery technology, energy storage solutions, and battery recycling and is a natural partner for BHP.
“Working with organisations such as CATL, BHP is continuing to seek solutions that can drive a more efficient and sustainable future for the resources industry.
Tan Libin, CATL head of overseas business, said: “Together with forward-thinking resources companies like BHP, we aim to demonstrate how advanced battery technologies can decarbonise mining operations, logistics, and product delivery, accelerating a more sustainable, efficient future while creating long-term value and transforming the global resources industry through innovation."
BYD agreement
BHP has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with battery electrification pioneer FinDreams Battery (FDB), a fully owned subsidiary of BYD Group, one of the world’s leading battery manufacturers that, among other things, manufactures and sells battery systems used for commercial vehicles, power batteries and energy storage batteries.
BHP and FDB will jointly investigate powertrain battery solutions for heavy mining equipment and locomotives with their adjacent flash-charging infrastructure, as well as explore BYD commercial vehicles and light vehicles for use in our mining applications to support our diesel displacement journey.
BYD, a global leader in battery cell development and a rapidly growing name in electric light vehicle production, brings expertise in electric vehicle solutions and electric buses. By engaging with BYD, BHP says it aims to assess the relevance and development of these technologies for mining applications, whilst also exploring applications for BYD’s broader portfolio in energy storage and battery recycling.
The strategic collaboration aims to identify pathways to further enable the decarbonisation of BHP’s mining operations and support a decarbonised future for the resources industry.
BHP's Rashpal Bhatti said: “BYD is a leader in their field and at the cutting-edge of what’s possible in battery technology and advanced manufacturing and have already made significant progress with electric vehicles.
“By joining forces with industry leaders [like BYD] we are seeking solutions to help shape a more productive and more sustainable resources industry of the future.
Jack Li, GM of FDB's global commercial vehicle business unit, said: "We recognize BHP as a true industry leader, with an aspirational vision to achieve net-zero operational greenhouse gas emissions—a strategy that aligns with our mission."
"Leveraging our unique expertise in mining electrification, I am confident this collaboration will drive transformative change, paving the way for a more sustainable future for all."
