XCMG Group and Fortescue are one step closer to rolling out the next generation of mining machinery with the launch of two zero-emission prototypes.
Earlier this month, Fortescue’s joint chief executive Agustin Pichot visited XCMG Group to witness the largest tonnage pure electric wheel loader and pure electric wheel dozer, weighing between 70 and 130 tonnes.
The prototypes on display mark the first achievement in an agreement between the two parties for XCMG to supply more than 100 efficient, zero-emission pieces of machinery to Fortescue’s Pilbara operations in Western Australia.
The company has long-promoted decarbonisation across its iron ore operations and announced a $615 million contract in 2024, representing XCMG’s largest mining equipment deal outside of China.
In a post on the company’s LinkedIn page, XCMG president of machinery Lu Chuan said the successful rollout of the two prototypes marks a “new stage in cooperation” with XCMG leveraging its full value chain to ensure smooth project implementation.
Additional work to promote sustainable mining is also bearing fruits for Fortescue, with record first-half iron ore production buoyed by the delivery of the company’s first large-scale battery energy storage system at North Star Junction.