SPIC and Rio Tinto take the lead in Mongolia to collaborate on improving electric vehicle battery technology

Global mining giant Rio Tinto has joined forces with China's State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) to introduce ground-breaking battery replacement technology for electric dump trucks at the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine in Mongolia. The strategic partnership, formally agreed on November 6, aims to accelerate the mining industry’s transformation towards a sustainable future.

The partnership between SPIC and Rio Tinto will mark the first demonstration of a complete battery-electric truck ecosystem in a mining operation outside of China. The two-year pilot project will involve eight dump trucks with a 91 tonne payload, 13 800kWh batteries and a robotic battery swapping and charging station. The vehicles will be used for non-production activities such as tailings dam rehabilitation and topsoil movement.

Battery swapping technology offers an attractive solution to the limitations of traditional charging infrastructure. Instead of having to spend long periods of time charging at fixed charging stations, electric vehicles equipped with this technology can quickly swap out a depleted battery pack for a fully charged one. This innovative approach significantly reduces downtime and increases operational efficiency.

Jonathan McCarthy, chief decarbonization officer at Rio Tinto, stressed the importance of the partnership and said: “By partnering with SPIC, we will leverage China’s latest technological advances to accelerate the decarbonization of our operations. Compared to traditional charging methods Battery replacement technology offers greater flexibility and reduced downtime than

Han Zhiwei of State Power Investment Corporation Capital Holdings Co., Ltd. expressed great enthusiasm for this cooperation. He said: "We are very pleased to bring our leading green transportation innovation technology to the global market. This cooperation with Rio Tinto will demonstrate the strength of Chinese enterprises in the field of green technology and contribute to the world's low-carbon transformation."

The head of Oyu Tolgoi Copper Mine highlighted the mine’s role in driving sustainable mining practices and said: “We are proud to be at the forefront of this innovative technology. This project is in line with our commitment to sustainable development and reducing carbon emissions. Footprint Commitment. Through the adoption of electric vehicles and other emissions reduction initiatives, we are actively shaping the net zero future of our business.”