Rio Tinto to Test Battery Swapping Technology for Electric Haul Trucks at Oyu Tolgoi Mine
Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) has partnered with China’s State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) to trial battery-swapping technology for electric haul trucks at the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine in Mongolia. Battery swapping allows an electric vehicle to replace a depleted battery pack with a fully charged one, minimizing downtime compared to traditional recharging at fixed stations.
Already in use at mining sites across China, this technology will allow Rio Tinto to showcase a full battery electric truck and charging ecosystem at one of its operations. The two-year trial will involve eight electric haul trucks with a 91-tonne payload, 13 batteries (each with an 800kWh capacity), and a robotic battery swapping and charging station, all supporting non-production activities in Oyu Tolgoi’s above-ground operations.
Rio Tinto and Oyu Tolgoi technical experts have collaborated with SPIC and Tonly, the truck manufacturer, to adapt the equipment to Rio’s electrical and safety standards. The trucks will perform tasks such as tailings dam rehabilitation and topsoil movement, operated and maintained by the Oyu Tolgoi team. Each battery is designed to last up to eight hours depending on workload, with the swapping process taking about seven minutes, allowing for maximum operational efficiency.
The first truck is scheduled to arrive at Oyu Tolgoi this year, with the rest of the fleet and infrastructure expected to be fully operational by mid-2025.
This trial supports Rio Tinto’s commitment to reaching net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050, with Chinese innovations playing a role in this effort. Rio currently operates about 700 haul trucks worldwide, 100 of which are in the small to medium range (100-200 tonne payload).
Jonathon McCarthy, Rio’s chief decarbonization officer, said, “By partnering with SPIC, we’re showcasing advanced Chinese technology and exploring how it might help us decarbonize more quickly and cost-effectively. This project allows us to test battery swap applications that provide greater flexibility and less downtime compared to static charging methods, complementing our plans to pilot ultra-class electric trucks in the Pilbara.”
Oyu Tolgoi CEO Deirdre Lingenfelder added, “The Oyu Tolgoi team is proud to lead this technological advancement for Rio Tinto, marking a milestone in our commitment to decarbonization and sustainable growth.”
Located in Mongolia’s Umnugovi province, Oyu Tolgoi is one of the largest known copper and gold deposits globally, with annual production of around 168,000 tonnes of copper and 177,000 ounces of gold. It is recognized for its modern, safe, and sustainable operations. Open-pit mining began in 2011, followed by the launch of a large copper concentrator in 2013. Underground production commenced last year, positioning Oyu Tolgoi to become a top copper producer by 2030.
