Partnership to trial battery swap technology in mine operations
(Posted on 12/11/24)
Rio Tinto will partner with China’s State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) to demonstrate battery swap electric haul truck technology at the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine in Mongolia.
Battery swapping technology allows a battery electric vehicle to quickly exchange a discharged battery pack for a fully charged one, instead of recharging the vehicle at a static charging station.
The technology is already applied on haul trucks in mining operations across China, and this collaboration will enable Rio Tinto to demonstrate a complete battery electric truck and charging ecosystem at one of its operations.
The two-year project will demonstrate eight mining haul trucks (91 tonne payload), 13 batteries (800kWh), and a robotic battery swap and charging station in non-production activities in the aboveground operations at Oyu Tolgoi.
Rio Tinto operates about 700 haul trucks across its global operations, of which 100 are classified as small or medium class (100 – 200 tonne payload).
Rio Tinto Chief Decarbonisation Officer Jonathon McCarthy said: “By partnering with the State Power Investment Corporation, we will be demonstrating the latest technology and innovation available in China and assessing its potential to help decarbonise our operations quickly and cost effectively.
“This demonstration will allow us to explore applications for battery swap technology that deliver more flexibility and less downtime than current static charging technologies. This work will complement the electrification pilots of ultra class mining haul trucks planned for the Pilbara.
“We look forward to partnering on more opportunities in the future to apply China’s innovations to the global resources sector and contribute to the world’s low-carbon transition.”
Chairman of State Power Investment Group Capital Holding Co., Ltd Han Zhiwei said: “Through our collaboration with Rio Tinto, we are bringing leading green transportation innovations to the international market, showcasing the strength of Chinese enterprises in the field of green technology innovation. We hope our low-carbon technologies will assist Rio Tinto in achieving its decarbonisation targets, and we look forward to continued cooperation between both parties to jointly promote the application of green energy.”
Oyu Tolgoi Chief Executive Officer Deirdre Lingenfelder said: “We are proud the Oyu Tolgoi team is playing a pivotal role in advancing this innovative technology on behalf of Rio Tinto. This project represents a significant step in our ongoing decarbonisation journey, aligning closely with Oyu Tolgoi’s strategic commitment to sustainable growth. By expanding our use of underground battery electric equipment and implementing other emissions reduction initiatives, we are actively driving progress toward a net zero-carbon future for our operations.”
Latest News
Rio Tinto and AMG assess low-carbon aluminium project in India
(Posted on 22/04/25)Rio Tinto and AMG Metals & Materials (AMG M&M), an energy transition solutions provider, have... Read more
BHP record iron ore and copper production demonstrates resilience
(Posted on 22/04/25)BHP has released its Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2025.BHP Chief Executive... Read more
WTO: Trump’s tariffs will shrink global trade
(Posted on 16/04/25)The volume of world merchandise trade is expected to decline by 0.2% in 2025 under current conditions... Read more
$235million syndicated loan agreement to boost UAE trade with Trafigura
(Posted on 15/04/25)In a strategic move to empower UAE exporters and advance the nation’s economic diversification... Read more
Anglo American update on sale of steelmaking coal business to Peabody
(Posted on 15/04/25)Anglo American plc has noted the recent statement issued by Peabody Energy in relation to the definitive... Read more
Rio Tinto’s first Western Australian-made iron ore rail cars
(Posted on 03/04/25)Rio Tinto’s first locally made iron ore rail car has been built in Western Australia, as it steps... Read more
ADM and Mitsubishi form strategic agriculture supply chain alliance
(Posted on 01/04/25)ADM and Mitsubishi Corporation have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to form a strategic... Read more
ESL Shipping and SSAB extend cooperation in raw material transports
(Posted on 27/03/25)ESL Shipping and global steel manufacturer SSAB have agreed on a multi-year extension of the agreement... Read more
Sakatti copper project in Finland awarded ‘Strategic Project’ status by EU
(Posted on 27/03/25)Anglo American’s Sakatti copper and polymetallic project in Finland has been designated as a &... Read more
FEFAC calls for targeted transatlantic feed trade agreement
(Posted on 18/03/25)FEFAC, representing the EU compound feed and premix manufacturers, noted with deep concern the announced... Read more
