CATL, BHP join forces to drive electrification, sustainability in global mining operations

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- CATL announced on July 14 that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with BHP, one of the world's leading diversified resource companies, to collaborate on the electrification of mining operations.

The partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both companies across battery technology, fast-charging infrastructure, energy storage, and battery recycling to accelerate the mining sector's transition toward low-carbon operations. By integrating these capabilities, the two sides seek to develop a scalable, replicable model for green transformation across the global mining industry.

As demand for critical minerals like lithium and nickel surges amid the rapid adoption of renewable energy technologies, the traditionally high-emission, energy-intensive mining industry is under increasing pressure to decarbonize. BHP, as a global mining leader, has committed to achieving net-zero operational greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and views electrification as a key pillar of this transition.

"CATL is a global leader in advanced battery technologies, energy storage, and recycling. It's a natural partner for us," said Rashpal Bhatti, Group Procurement Officer at BHP. "Through this collaboration, we aim to advance more efficient and sustainable solutions for the resource sector."

The partnership will focus on co-developing battery solutions tailored to heavy-duty mining equipment and rail locomotives, supported by a dedicated build-out of compatible high-speed charging infrastructure. In parallel, the two companies will explore energy storage applications at BHP’s global mining sites and work together to enhance battery recycling processes, thereby promoting a circular economy and building a more sustainable mining value chain.

"Like BHP, CATL is committed to supporting the global energy transition and a net-zero future," said Tan Libin, chief customer officer and co-president of market system of CATL. "By working with forward-looking partners like BHP, we can demonstrate how cutting-edge battery technology enables mining operations to decarbonize across logistics, production, and delivery. Continued innovation will allow us to generate long-term value and contribute meaningfully to the resource industry's transformation."