(Yicai) Nov. 27 -- Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group, a Chinese heavy machinery manufacturer, has secured a landmark USD400 million contract to supply more than 100 pieces of zero-emissions mining equipment to Australian iron ore miner Fortescue.

The deal is XCMG's largest overseas mining gear contract, with the company to deliver battery-electric wheel loaders, dozers, water carts, float prime movers, and graders to Fortescue's Pilbara iron ore operations by 2030, the Perth-based firm announced on its website today.

The equipment will eliminate millions of liters of fossil fuels from Fortescue's iron ore operations over their life cycle, the company noted, adding that the first pieces of gear will likely be deployed in 2026.

"We're moving rapidly to decarbonize our Pilbara iron ore operations and eliminate our Scope 1 and 2 terrestrial emissions by 2030," said Dino Otranto, chief executive of Fortescue. "To achieve this target, we will need to swap out hundreds of pieces of diesel mining equipment at the end of their life with zero emissions alternatives.

"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 decarbonize," Otranto pointed out.

"XCMG has achieved green electrification across its entire product range," noted Chairman Yang Dongsheng. "New energy products now account for 18 percent of revenue, leading the industry's green and low-carbon transformation.

"Since last year, XCMG has fully launched its 'No. 1 Project' for intelligent transformation, digital transformation, and networking," Yang said. "XCMG and Fortescue have formed a long-term partnership based on 'value resonance, cultural resonance, and win-win cooperation."

Editor: Martin Kadiev