Twiggy Forrest is making waves in the mining sector, and it’s not just the sound of heavy machinery. Fresh off a record-breaking purchase of electric mining equipment from Liebherr, Forrest has now set his sights on a whopping AUD$400 million investment in emissions-free heavy mining equipment from China’s Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group Co., Ltd (XCMG). This move is not just a blip on the radar; it’s a bold stride toward decarbonising Fortescue’s mining operations in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, with plans to roll out 100 pieces of zero-emission heavy mobile equipment starting in 2026 and continuing through to 2030.
Forrest’s commitment to “real zero” emissions is more than just a catchy slogan. Fortescue’s mantra—“the technology, energy and metals group accelerating commercial decarbonisation of industry, rapidly, profitably and globally”—is a clarion call for an industry that has long been tethered to fossil fuels. Not too long ago, the naysayers claimed that battery electric drivetrains were a pipe dream, insisting that hydrogen was the way forward. But Forrest is proving them wrong. He’s not only investing in green hydrogen research but also deploying hydrogen-powered prototypes like “Europa,” a haul truck that’s set to undergo rigorous testing in real-world mining conditions.
What’s particularly fascinating is how this dual approach—batteries and hydrogen—will unfold. Fortescue is still testing hydrogen as a viable power source, but the current momentum seems to favor batteries. With plans to eliminate Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, it’s clear that Forrest is not just kicking the can down the road. He’s swapping out diesel equipment for zero-emission alternatives, and that’s going to shake up the industry.
XCMG, the largest construction machinery manufacturer in China, is stepping up to the plate, promising solar energy-powered machinery that will replace millions of litres of diesel currently consumed in Australia’s Outback. By 2030, Fortescue will see the arrival of battery electric wheel loaders, dozers, water carts, and more, all designed to help the company meet its ambitious decarbonisation targets. The partnership between Fortescue and XCMG is not just a business deal; it’s a long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
As Forrest and his team push the envelope, it raises the question: what will be the return on investment for this cutting-edge equipment? Given the scale of operations and the potential for significant cost savings in fuel and emissions, it’s a question worth pondering. If the numbers add up, this could set a precedent for other mining companies to follow suit.
The implications extend beyond the Australian Outback. With XCMG’s global reach and experience in the Belt & Road projects, the partnership could serve as a model for sustainable mining practices worldwide. The ZNK95 electric autonomous mining truck, for instance, is already making headlines in Inner Mongolia, demonstrating the potential for reducing diesel consumption significantly.
Forrest’s vision of “real zero” mining is not just about reducing emissions; it’s about setting a benchmark for the entire industry. If he succeeds, it could catalyze a broader shift toward greener practices in mining, making it easier for the entire value chain to embrace sustainability. After all, if mining can go green, then the final products—be it iron ore or lithium—can also claim a lower carbon footprint.
The mining industry is at a crossroads, and with leaders like Forrest at the helm, the path forward looks promising. As the sector evolves, it will be exciting to see how these investments in technology and sustainability shape the future of mining, not just in Australia but around the globe.
