Fortescue and MacLean announce partnership to help decarbonise the mining industry

Fleet of MacLean GR8 motor graders to be powered by Fortescue Zero power system aiming to be delivered to Fortescue starting in 2026; Mining vehicles to contribute directly to elimination of tens of millions of litres of fossil fuel use over lifecycle of graders. 

Fortescue, one of the world’s leading technology, energy and metals companies, and MacLean, a global leader in battery electric mining vehicles (BEVs), have announced a new partnership to help rapidly electrify and decarbonise the surface mining industry. Today at MINExpo 2024 in Las Vegas, Fortescue Metals CEO Dino Otranto was joined by MacLean CEO Kevin MacLean and MacLean President Stella Holloway to announce that MacLean will deliver a fleet of 30 GR8 EV graders to Fortescue’s mining operations in Western Australia. The EV graders will be powered by a Fortescue Zero battery power system, making them one of the first battery electric graders for surface mining. The first EV grader is expected to be delivered in 2026, with the full battery electric fleet aiming to be operational in 2029.

At the launch event, Kevin MacLean also announced the company's commitment to Fortescue's RealZero2040 initiative. MacLean pledged that the company will now work toward achieving real zero emissions by 2040.

“We’ve been in the underground mining vehicle business for over 50 years and as a manufacturer we have almost a decade under our belts with our full-fleet electrification program. Our track record to date is 25 vehicle models battery electrified, 100 EV units sold from bolters to boom trucks to shotcrete sprayers to graders, and half a million operating hours logged.  Now we’re turning our sights to surface mining operations,” remarks MacLean CEO, Kevin MacLean.  “Our ‘first 50’ saw us shape the underground mining industry in the name of increased safety and productivity. Now our next 50 will be shaped by our deep commitment to supporting the decarbonisation of the mining industry around the globe, where a majority of operations are above ground. I’m truly honoured that Fortescue, such a successful and forward-thinking company, has chosen MacLean as their partner for this essential work in the 21st century.” 

“Surface mining vehicle electrification represents the dawn of a new era at MacLean, but it’s one with a deep foundation in our past as a manufacturer of fit-for-purpose solutions for the mining industry,” adds David Jacques, Vice President - Surface Mining Vehicles at MacLean. “We’re taking all the learnings from our GR5 Underground Grader commercialization and our years of experience in underground BEV design, manufacturing, and site support, and putting it to good use in the context of surface mining electrification. With MacLean and Fortescue, you have two ambitious companies that share the same vision and depth of commitment to innovation that delivers results when it comes to transforming the industry through decarbonization. This is going to be a powerful collaboration for positive change.”

Fortescue Metals CEO Dino Otranto said: “Fortescue is resolutely committed to being the world’s leading green technology, metals and energy company with a laser focus on achieving Real Zero across our Australian iron ore operations by 2030. In 2030, we believe Fortescue will be the go-to Company for green metals, technology, energy and energy storage globally. When the world needs the ‘how’ to be answered, it will turn to Fortescue. To fulfil our 2030 mission, we must partner with like-minded companies like MacLean, which has a proud reputation for designing and manufacturing innovative and high-quality products for underground mining. Importantly, they also share our vision for a mining industry – and a world – no longer reliant on fossil fuels.”