XCMG and Fortescue Partner on Zero-Emission Haul Trucks to Drive Greener Mining

Strategic deal for large-scale electrification

Chinese heavy equipment manufacturer XCMG has taken a major step in advancing zero-emission mining technology by signing a strategic cooperation agreement with Fortescue, the Perth-based iron ore giant. Under this partnership, XCMG will supply up to 200 battery-electric haul trucks, each weighing 240 tons, to support Fortescue’s decarbonisation goals in Australia.

For Fortescue, one of the world’s largest iron ore exporters, the move is a milestone in cutting its mining fleet’s carbon footprint. The agreement also builds on a previous 2024 deal for battery-electric ancillary equipment, which was then XCMG’s largest green mining order outside China.

Zero-emission technology meets mining performance

XCMG’s 240-ton battery-electric haul truck is engineered to match the capabilities of diesel-powered giants while eliminating exhaust emissions. With a payload capacity exceeding 550,000 pounds and a gross vehicle weight of over 840,000 pounds, the truck is built for the heaviest mining tasks.

Powered by an electric drive system generating 2,550 horsepower, the vehicle can tackle grades of up to 17% and reach speeds of around 35 mph, proving that electrification can deliver both sustainability and performance.

Climate urgency and business risks

The deal also comes against a backdrop of new research linking fossil fuel dependency to the rising intensity of global heatwaves between 2000 and 2023. Fortescue noted that these findings highlight the legal, regulatory, financial, and reputational risks for companies that delay decarbonisation.

By adopting high-capacity battery trucks, Fortescue aims to mitigate such risks while maintaining operational efficiency in large-scale mining.

Leveraging China’s green tech scale

Fortescue founder Andrew Forrest stressed that global cooperation is critical to tackling the climate crisis. “By joining forces across continents, we are seizing the full extent of the decarbonisation opportunity,” he said, underlining the importance of collaboration with Chinese manufacturers.

Forrest also highlighted China’s rapid scaling of green technologies, which allows Fortescue to access advanced electric and renewable solutions at speed.

Expanding green partnerships

In addition to XCMG, Fortescue has partnered with several leading Chinese clean energy firms, including BYD (electric vehicles and batteries), Longi Green Energy (solar technology), and Envision Energy (wind and energy storage). Together, these collaborations reinforce Fortescue’s commitment to building a low-carbon mining future while tapping into global expertise.