LOADING

Type to search

Fortescue & Liebherr’s Historic $2.8 Billion Green Mining Deal

Fortescue & Liebherr’s Historic $2.8 Billion Green Mining Deal

Fortescue
Listen to this story:
  • Fortescue and Liebherr partner to create one of the world’s largest zero-emission mining fleets.
  • The deal features 475 zero-emission machines, including 360 autonomous battery-electric trucks.
  • This is the largest equipment deal in Liebherr’s 75-year history, supporting Fortescue’s 2030 Real Zero goal.

Fortescue and Liebherr’s Ambitious Partnership

Fortescue has signed a $2.8 billion deal with Liebherr to jointly develop 475 zero-emission machines, marking a major leap towards carbon-free mining. The partnership includes 360 autonomous battery-electric trucks, 55 electric excavators, and 60 battery-powered dozers, with a goal of eliminating emissions from mining by 2030.

At MINExpo in Las Vegas, Liebherr and Fortescue unveiled the Autonomous Battery-Electric T 264 truck, which will play a pivotal role in the mining industry’s decarbonization efforts.

“This is an important next step in our 2030 Real Zero target – to eliminate emissions from our Australian iron ore operations by the end of the decade,” said Dr. Andrew Forrest, executive chairman of Fortescue.

Fortescue Zero’s Innovative Technology

Fortescue Zero, the company’s technology arm, developed the battery power system used in these zero-emission machines. This system will power the battery-electric T 264 trucks and the electric version of Liebherr’s flagship PR 776 dozer.

“The technology developed as part of this record-breaking deal will support our customers’ decarbonization journeys,” noted Dr. Jörg Lukowski, EVP at Liebherr-Mining Equipment.

The machines will be gradually rolled out across Fortescue’s operations in Western Australia, representing two-thirds of their current fleet.

Scaling the Mining Industry’s Green Future

Both companies are focused on building a comprehensive zero-emission mining ecosystem, aiming to share this technology with the broader mining industry.

“We invite all companies in mining and heavy industry to join us in eliminating emissions. The time for greenwashing is over,” emphasized Dr. Forrest.

Related Article: S&P Global Releases “Look Forward: Multidimensional Transition,” Examining the Complexities of Energy Transformation

Liebherr’s battery-electric trucks and Fortescue’s battery power systems are designed to be scalable, ensuring their fleets are future-proofed as they approach their 2030 emission goals.

Looking Forward

Validation for the autonomous battery-electric trucks will commence in late 2025, with full integration expected by 2026. Liebherr and Fortescue’s collaboration demonstrates a commitment to accelerating the mining industry’s shift away from fossil fuels.

Topics

Related Articles