BHP bets billions on Chile mines to face global copper crunch
BHP detailed to investors this week plans to spend $10.7 billion to $14.7 billion within about 10 years.
BHP Group said on Thursday it plans to test US-based equipment manufacturer Caterpillar’s new technology, which transfers energy to diesel-electric and battery-electric large mining trucks while they are working on a mine site.
Caterpillar launched its Cat Dynamic Energy Transfer (DET) system earlier this month, saying that the use of this technology would lead to lower operating costs for miners and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
The DET system can also charge the batteries of electric trucks while they are under operation, providing extra speed and upgraded efficiency.
Mining giant BHP would become the first to try this new system, starting planned trials at its iron ore and copper businesses, including at its Escondida operations in Chile.
BHP, in 2021, had announced a collaboration with Caterpillar to work towards zero-emission mining truck deployment at its sites to cut back on its emissions of operational greenhouse gas.
(By Rajasik Mukherjee; Editing by Alan Barona)
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