BHP Strikes Power Deals With CATL and BYD

BHP joins forces with CATL and BYD to explore electrified mining and new battery technologies

15 Oct 2025

BHP has signed preliminary agreements with Chinese battery makers CATL and BYD to explore electrified mining technologies, marking a new phase in Australia’s emerging battery minerals sector.

The memoranda of understanding, signed on July 14, 2025, outline joint work on pilot battery systems for heavy mining equipment, fast-charging infrastructure, and recycling solutions. Although still at an early stage, the agreements suggest growing collaboration between resource producers and battery manufacturers seeking to reduce carbon emissions in industrial operations.

The partnerships form part of BHP’s broader effort to move beyond traditional extraction into higher-value areas of the energy transition supply chain. “We’re taking initial steps to evaluate battery solutions that can reduce diesel reliance,” a BHP procurement executive said, describing the MOUs as a foundation for more sustainable mining practices.

Industry analysts view the move as evidence of a deeper convergence between mining and technology companies. In the critical minerals space, covering lithium, nickel, copper, and rare earths, deal activity has slowed in 2025 but remains focused on assets offering strategic supply chain or technological advantages.

The technical challenges, however, are considerable. Electrifying heavy mining fleets requires significant investment, new engineering expertise, and coordination across complex operational systems. Analysts say progress will depend on the success of pilot projects, regulatory support, and investor confidence in long-term returns.

If these early-stage partnerships mature, observers believe Australian miners could evolve by 2030 into more integrated energy and technology companies. For now, BHP’s agreements with CATL and BYD represent cautious but strategic first steps toward decarbonising one of the country’s most carbon-intensive industries.