BHP joins Komatsu to develop zero-emission haul trucks

To accelerate its push to become a net-zero operator by 2050, BHP, a world-leading resources company based in Melbourne, Australia, will become a founding member of Komatsu’s GHG Alliance, which aims to develop commercially viable zero-greenhouse gas emissions haul trucks.

As a founding partner of the Alliance, BHP plans to operate one of the first batches of zero-emission trucks upon commercial release.

BHP will provide engineering and technical resources to Komatsu, a Japanese multinational corporation that manufactures construction, mining, forestry and military equipment, as well as diesel engines and industrial equipment like press machines, lasers and thermoelectric generators, to support the development phase as required. These activities will provide BHP with real-time access to technology in development, with Komatsu drawing upon BHP’s mining expertise to accelerate its path to market.

Additionally, BHP and Komatsu will collaborate through the BHP FutureFit Academy to develop the future facing skills in their teams to operate and maintain this pioneering equipment.

“Tackling climate change requires strong collaboration and collective effort across the supply chain. Reducing vehicle emissions is key to our climate strategy, and we are thrilled to join with Komatsu and our peers in the global mining sector on real, tangible action to help accelerate our transition to a low carbon future,” said BHP’s Chief Commercial Officer, Vandita Pant.

“We are excited by the opportunity to work with the Komatsu GHG Alliance to drive new technology and innovation that can benefit the mining industry globally. This collaboration is a great example of the partnership approach we are taking in our supply chain as we work towards BHP’s goal of net zero operational emissions by 2050,” said BHP’s Group Procurement Officer, James Agar.

Komatsu Ltd.’s President Mining Business Division, Max Moriyama, said: “We are thrilled to welcome BHP to this exciting new customer alliance and ready to see how we can all work together towards a more sustainable future and rapid development of zero-emission equipment solutions.”

The Alliance framework will support BHP’s broader Zero Emissions Material Movement (ZEMM) program, which also includes founding patron membership of the global Charge On Innovation Challenge announced in May 2021, which is seeking solutions from technology innovators for large-scale haul truck electrification and charging systems.