MELBOURNE (Reuters) -Top global miner BHP said on Monday it has signed preliminary deals with China battery giants CATL and BYD to explore opportunities in battery development for mining equipment and transport.
The miner said it would explore opportunities in battery development for heavy mining equipment and locomotives, including fast-charging infrastructure with both companies, in two separate statements.
For CATL, it said it would also explore energy storage systems and battery recycling options at its mines.
With BYD unit FinDreams Battery, it will also consider using battery-powered commercial vehicles and light vehicles at mines to help displace its diesel use.
The agreements have the potential to cut BHP’s direct emissions and may help reduce its power costs. BHP’s medium-term target is to cut its operational greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30% by 2030 from 2020 levels.
(Reporting by Melanie Burton; Editing by Jamie Freed)
