BHP trials renewable fuel at Yandi

BHP, along with bp, is conducting a three-month trial of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as a potential fuel source for mining equipment at its Yandi iron ore operations in Western Australia. The renewable diesel, derived from HVO, will be supplied to power haul trucks and other mining equipment during the trial.

BHP Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) Asset President, Brandon Craig, said: “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.”

“This collaboration with the teams at Yandi and bp is really exciting to see, given the potential application in our WAIO business and BHP’s operations globally.

BHP aims to lower its operational greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 30% by FY2030, based on the FY2020 baseline, with approximately 40% of its operational emissions originating from diesel-powered equipment during that year. To achieve this goal, BHP plans to use Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as a more sustainable fuel source for its mining equipment at Yandi. The HVO used in the trial will be certified internationally as originating from more environmentally friendly feedstocks, such as waste products.