Caterpillar takes another step towards zero emissions mining

Caterpillar is seeking to reduce emissions in mining

The world’s biggest construction and mining OEM, Caterpillar, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with global mining group Rio Tinto for the development of zero emissions autonomous haul trucks.

Rio Tinto and Caterpillar will progress a series of development milestones to include a 793 prototype pilot program, including testing and pre-production trials.

It is anticipated that the world’s first operational deployment of 35 new Caterpillar 793 zero-emissions autonomous haul trucks will be at Gudai-Darri once development is complete. Gudai-Darri is Rio Tinto’s most technically advanced iron ore mine, located in Western Australia.

Caterpillar Group President Denise Johnson said, “The integration of autonomy with a zero-emissions fleet demonstrates Rio Tinto’s commitment to reach net zero emissions.

“By leveraging these technologies across their sites, Rio Tinto can more safely increase productivity, efficiency and be more sustainable. We are pleased to be part of Rio Tinto’s sustainability journey and look forward to building on our long-standing collaboration.”

Caterpillar has recently announced a number of partnerships focusing on cutting emissions in mining, including with Nouveau Monde Graphite to develop, test and produce zero-emission machines for the Matawinie graphite mine in Canada and resource company BHP.