Australian mining giants Rio Tinto and BHP have announced a partnership to expedite the testing of large battery electric haul trucks at their iron ore mines in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The collaboration includes conducting trials with manufacturers Caterpillar and Komatsu for their CAT 793 and Komatsu 930 battery electric haul trucks. BHP and Rio Tinto aim to reduce diesel usage and greenhouse gas emissions in line with their net zero targets by 2050. The trials are seen as crucial for understanding the operational and safety implications of transitioning to battery-electric technology in mining. Both companies will share insights to accelerate the adoption of these vehicles. The initiative follows the efforts of rival company Fortescue Metals, which is already trialling battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell haul trucks in the same region. The use of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources is expected to revolutionize mining operations and contribute to environmental sustainability.