BHP and CATL Join Forces to Advance Battery Tech and Mining Electrification

Photo Credit: BHP 

Mining giant BHP has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Chinese battery technology leader Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), marking a key step in its push toward low-carbon operations and long-term sustainability goals.

According to a statement released by BHP, the two companies will collaborate on the application of battery technologies across mining equipment and locomotives, including rapid charging infrastructure. The partnership will also explore energy storage systems and battery recycling solutions tailored to BHP’s mining activities.

The collaboration aligns with BHP’s target to achieve net-zero operational greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 2050 from its operated assets. By leveraging CATL’s expertise in battery innovation and circular energy systems, the mining group aims to accelerate the electrification of its operations and strengthen sustainability in the broader resources sector.

CATL, known globally for its leadership in advanced energy technologies and electric mobility solutions, is actively developing next-generation battery systems that support industrial decarbonization. According to CATL’s Head of Overseas Business, Tan Libin, the company sees this partnership as a meaningful step toward demonstrating the role of batteries in reducing emissions across mining, logistics, and product delivery chains.

“Together with forward-thinking resource companies like BHP, we aim to demonstrate how advanced battery technologies can decarbonise mining operations, logistics, and product delivery, accelerating a more sustainable, efficient future while creating long-term value and transforming the global resources industry through innovation,” said Tan.

Rashpal Bhatti, BHP’s Group Procurement Officer, also highlighted the strategic significance of the alliance. “CATL is a global leader in advanced battery technology, energy storage solutions, and battery recycling and is a natural partner for BHP. Working with organisations such as CATL, BHP is continuing to seek solutions that can drive a more efficient and sustainable future for the resources industry,” Bhatti noted.

In addition to operational electrification, the partnership will assess opportunities for enhancing battery recycling, particularly in connection with BHP’s copper operations—an area seen as vital to establishing more circular and resilient value chains in the mining sector.

According to BHP, the initiative reflects the company’s broader approach to innovation-driven decarbonization and its commitment to collaborating with technology leaders to meet global climate objectives.

Source: BHP