Prototype Testing of Heavy-Duty Electric Equipment Completed, Deployment in Pilbara to Begin This Year
Australian mining group Fortescue confirmed at the end of July 2026 that it has completed prototype testing in China for a range of heavy-duty electric mining equipment, including a 150-tonne battery-powered water truck, electric wheel loader, electric dozer, and electric grader. CEO Dino Otranto recently test-operated these machines and confirmed their performance. The first batch of electric equipment is expected to arrive in the Pilbara region of Western Australia later this year, marking the official start of its electrification rollout.
Fortescue plans to phase out all diesel-powered equipment by 2030, aiming to become the world’s first major mining company to achieve zero carbon emissions at its mine sites. The company has already deployed 16 electric excavators in the Pilbara, each reducing diesel consumption by approximately one million litres annually. By the end of 2026, Fortescue expects to electrify half of its 70-strong excavator fleet.
Electric Grader Equipped with 528.6 kWh Battery System, Capable of 8 Hours of Continuous Operation
Chinese engineering machinery manufacturer XCMG revealed that the electric grader tested this time is equipped with a 528.6 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery system, supporting dual-gun fast charging and up to eight hours of continuous operation on a single charge. XCMG stated that the successful testing of these machines marks a new phase in electric mining technology, driving the industry toward cleaner and smarter operations.