Australian mining giant Fortescue has inked a major deal with Chinese engineering firm XCMG, securing over 100 electric mining vehicles for its Pilbara operations in a contract worth more than $400 million. The agreement marks XCMG’s largest mining equipment order outside China, underlining its global expansion ambitions.
The equipment delivery, scheduled through 2030, includes battery-powered wheel loaders, bulldozers, graders, and other machinery. This deal follows Fortescue’s ongoing efforts to electrify its fleet, a commitment that has seen significant investments in partnerships with global equipment manufacturers.
In September 2024, Fortescue signed a $2.8 billion contract with Liebherr for 360 autonomous electric trucks, 55 electric excavators, and 60 electric dozers. A subsequent deal with Canadian firm MacLean added 30 GR8 EV electric graders to its operations.
During the announcement at Bauma China, XCMG Chairman Yang Dongsheng emphasized the company’s focus on digital and intelligent transformation. “Since last year, XCMG has fully launched its ‘No. 1 Project’ for intelligent transformation, digital transformation, and networking,” he said. “As the global mining industry continues to evolve, we’re proud to be at the forefront of driving innovation in value-adding green technology and showing the world that industry can decarbonise.”
For Fortescue, the partnership aligns with its strategy to integrate digital, interconnected, and electric technologies into its mining operations. The company, leveraging Western Australia’s abundant green tech minerals, is pioneering clean energy solutions and decarbonized mining practices to meet global demand.
XCMG’s contract further bolsters its global presence and coincides with its collaboration with BYD, which recently unveiled specialized battery packs for electric construction machinery, including vehicles manufactured by XCMG.