BHP to explore battery technology with CATL, BYD

Global mining company BHP has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Chinese battery technology supplier Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) and another with FinDreams Battery Co. Ltd. (FDB), a fully owned subsidiary of BYD Group.

Recognizing the need for innovative solutions to tackle Scope 1 and 2 emissions, BHP said it will work closely with both companies to explore the application of existing and emerging technologies across its operations.

BHP and FDB will jointly investigate powertrain battery solutions for heavy mining equipment and locomotives with its flash-charging infrastructure, as well as explore BYD commercial vehicles and light vehicles for use in BHP’s mining applications.

From left to right: Sebastian Greco (BHP), Rashpal Bhatti (BHP), Gabrielle Sycamore (BHP), Wei Zhu (CATL), Junwei Chen (CATL), Zane Zhou (CATL). (Photo: BHP)

With CATL, BHP will explore opportunities in battery development for mining equipment and locomotives including rapid charging infrastructure. The collaboration will also focus on opportunities to advance the circular economy by enhancing battery recycling processes, especially leveraging BHP’s copper operations to establish more sustainable value chains within the mining sector.

“This strategic relationship marks further progress in BHP’s work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our operations and enable support for further developments within the global resources sector,” said BHP Group Procurement Officer Rashpal Bhatti. “CATL is a global leader in advanced battery technology, energy storage solutions, and battery recycling and is a natural partner for BHP.”

These efforts are aligned with BHP’s long-term goal to achieve net zero operational greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

“The signing of this MOU represents a pivotal milestone, not only for FDB’s commitment to advancing the low-carbon revolution but also for accelerating decarbonisation across the global resources sector,” said Jack Li, general manager of Global Commercial Vehicle Business Unit for FDB.  “We recognize BHP as a true industry leader, with an aspirational vision to achieve net-zero operational greenhouse gas emissions—a strategy that aligns with our mission. Leveraging our unique expertise in mining electrification, I am confident this collaboration will drive transformative change, paving the way for a more sustainable future for all.”

Based in Australia, BHP has more than 90,000 employees and contractors and works out of more than 90 locations worldwide. Its four commodity pillars are copper, potash, iron ore and steelmaking coal.