BHP partnership targets next-generation conveyor technology
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BHP has expanded its partnership with Chinese conveyor technology provider BOTON as the miner looks to advance intelligent conveyor systems and support lower-carbon operations across its global portfolio.
The companies have signed a Global Framework Agreement that broadens their existing relationship beyond product supply to include technology development, sustainability initiatives, lifecycle support and global service capability.
The agreement is intended to support the development of smarter conveyor systems and lower-carbon mining operations across BHP’s global portfolio.
“This agreement taps the strength of our long-standing partnership with BOTON and our shared focus on innovation, safety, and sustainability,” BHP chief commercial officer Rag Udd said.
A major focus of the partnership will be technologies designed to improve conveyor automation.
Building on work already underway at BHP’s Escondida copper mine in Chile, the companies will explore the deployment of intelligent conveyor technologies at scale, including artificial intelligence (AI)-based belt alignment systems, robotic inspections, X-ray digital scanning and longitudinal rip detection.
The companies will also explore ways to track the carbon footprint of conveyor systems from manufacturing through to recycling.
The agreement includes plans to investigate recycling solutions for used conveyor belts to improve circularity and reduce environmental impact.
“By working more closely together, we are advancing the next generation of mining conveyor solutions to improve productivity, support our decarbonisation ambitions and deliver long-term value across our global operations,” Udd said.
BOTON also plans to strengthen its service capability across BHP’s key mining regions by leveraging its international network, including facilities in Australia and Thailand.
The company intends to establish frontline service stations to improve response times and local support for conveyor operations.
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