Mining company Rio Tinto and Chinese battery manufacturer CATL have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore cooperation on electrification and low-carbon technologies in the mining sector.
The agreement, announced by CATL on March 4, outlines collaboration in three areas: electrification strategy and innovation, circular supply chains and potential new commercial cooperation models linked to the energy transition.
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The companies plan to assess opportunities for large-scale electrification of mining operations, which traditionally rely on diesel-powered heavy equipment. The partnership will also explore approaches to recycling battery materials and promoting circular use of critical minerals used in energy technologies.
CATL said it will contribute expertise in battery systems, energy storage and system integration to support efforts to improve efficiency and reduce emissions in mining activities.
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Founded more than 150 years ago, Rio Tinto operates across multiple segments including iron ore, copper, aluminum and lithium extraction and processing.
By combining Rio Tinto’s resource development capabilities with CATL’s battery and energy technologies, the companies aim to examine potential solutions that could support lower-carbon mining operations.
