BHP, Australia's largest consumer of diesel, has continued to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on diesel trucks for its Pilbara operations, despite internal documents warning that such purchases would increase emissions and conflict with its climate goals. The mining giant's fleet of haul trucks is its biggest single source of diesel emissions, and replacing them with battery-electric alternatives is considered critical to its decarbonisation efforts.
Planned Transition Delayed
BHP had planned to begin trialling electric trucks in Western Australia in 2024, with a full rollout expected by 2027-28. However, an exclusive investigation based on leaked documents reveals that the company has instead continued to buy polluting diesel trucks for its Jimblebar mine and plans to use diesel trucks at the proposed Ministers North mine, which is expected to operate until at least 2041.
In documents submitted to the Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia, BHP stated that battery-electric truck technology is not yet ready, and that delays would impact previously projected timelines for deploying zero-emission equipment across its Western Australian iron ore division.
Jimblebar Fleet Decision
Internal documents show that in 2022, BHP planned to refurbish its ageing Jimblebar truck fleet to extend its life by about eight years, aligning with a goal to electrify the entire fleet in the 2030s. However, the plan changed in 2023 after the company achieved a material cost reduction for new diesel trucks. BHP then authorised the purchase of 62 diesel haul trucks at an estimated cost of more than $500 million.
The internal documents stated that this purchase would meet a goal of 40% diesel displacement by 2040 and was in line with climate goals because it minimised capital investment in new diesel trucks. However, critics argue that the investment locks in emissions for decades.
Technology Readiness Dispute
BHP claims that no Australian miner is currently using 240-ton battery-electric haul trucks because the technology is not advanced enough to scale to an operational fleet. The company is partnering with equipment producers to run trials of battery-electric equipment, including two 240-ton trucks in the Pilbara and four battery-electric locomotives.
However, competitor Fortescue has ordered 360 battery-electric haul trucks from two suppliers and brought forward plans to fully power its Pilbara mining assets with renewable energy. BHP dismissed this, stating that announced commitments do not mean such equipment currently exists.
Expert Criticism
Experts and environmental groups say BHP's approach ignores its oversized role in driving investment in new technology. Naomi Hogan of the Australian Centre for Corporate Responsibility said BHP and Rio Tinto could accelerate technology advancements through investment, procurement, and designing operations to be electrification-ready, including building renewable power for remote sites.
Tim Buckley of Climate Energy Finance noted that BHP consumed 1.23 billion litres of diesel and received $622 million in fuel tax credits in the 2025 financial year, while backing a campaign against proposed limits on such rebates. He accused BHP of actively trying to undermine change rather than ignoring it.
