Teck Resources Limited has announced an agreement with Caterpillar Inc. to work towards deploying 30 of Caterpillar’s zero-emissions large haul trucks, like Caterpillar’s 794 ultra-class, at Teck mining operations.
The Vancouver-based mining company maintains multiple operations and projects in both Canada and Chile, as well as single operations in the United States and Peru.
According to the company, decarbonizing its vehicle fleet will represent a significant reduction in Scope 1 emissions, advancing their efforts in meeting sustainability goals and priorities.
These major sustainability goals are to reduce the carbon intensity of its operations by 33% by 2030, to procure 50% of its electricity demands in Chile from clean energy by 2025—and 100% by 2030—and to accelerate its adoption of zero-emissions alternatives for transportation by displacing the equivalent of 1,000 internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2025.
Ultimately, Teck states its strategic priority as becoming a carbon-neutral operator by 2050.
“Teck is already one of the world’s lowest carbon intensity producers of copper, zinc and steelmaking coal, and now we are taking further action to develop and implement the technology needed to reduce the carbon footprint of our operations and support global efforts to combat climate change,” said Don Lindsay, President and CEO, Teck. “Decarbonizing our haul truck fleet is a critical step forward on our road to carbon neutrality and we are pleased to collaborate with Caterpillar to advance this work.”
Caterpillar Group President Denise Johnson added, “We look forward to working with Teck to support their climate goals and developing solutions to increase operational efficiency while substantially reducing emissions. We are excited to strengthen our collaboration and deliver results.”
The companies plan to progress through a multi-phased approach together that includes early development, piloting and deployment of 30 Caterpillar zero-emission vehicles, including CAT 794 ultra-class trucks, beginning in 2027.
Teck anticipates initially deploying zero-emissions trucks at its Elk Valley steelmaking coal operations in British Columbia, Canada. The operations are already powered by a 95% clean electricity grid, making it an ideal location to introduce one of Canada’s first zero-emissions large haul truck fleets, with options for trolley-assist technology.
