BHP trials renewable fuel for mining

BHP is trialling the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to help power mining equipment at its Yandi iron ore operations in Western Australia.

This renewable diesel made from HVO will be supplied through a collaboration with BP and will be used in haul trucks and other mining equipment over an initial three-month trial period.

BHP has a medium-term target to reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30% by the financial year 2030, from a financial year 2020 baseline.

BHP Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) Asset President, Brandon Craig, says, 'About 40% of BHP’s operational greenhouse gas emissions come from using diesel fuel, and this is a core focus of our decarbonisation strategy...Ultimately, our aim is to have fully electric trucking fleets at our sites, but alternative fuels like HVO may help us reduce our emissions in the meantime while the electrification transition takes place.'

The HVO is to have an internationally recognised certification as being sourced from more sustainable feedstocks.­­