Mining giant Rio Tinto is set to collaborate with China’s State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) to pilot battery-swapping technology for electric haul trucks.
The two-year project will see the deployment of eight battery-powered haul trucks, each with a 91-tonne payload capacity, and 13 high-capacity batteries (800 kilowatt-hour each).
A robotic battery-swapping and charging station will enable the trucks to switch out depleted batteries in about seven minutes, allowing minimal downtime compared to conventional static recharging methods.
Rio Tinto’s Chief Decarbonisation Officer Jonathon McCarthy highlighted the flexibility of battery-swapping technology.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
The project underscores Rio Tinto’s commitment to its net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions target by 2050.
Set to become fully operational by mid-2025, the pilot will involve using the battery-powered trucks for non-production activities, including tailings dam rehabilitation and topsoil movement.
The partnership with SPIC and Tonly, the truck manufacturer, includes adapting equipment to meet Rio Tinto’s safety and operational standards.
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