(Alliance News) – BHP Group Ltd on Thursday announced it has signed a global framework agreement with China’s Wuxi Boton Technology Co Ltd to expand their collaboration on developing more innovative and sustainable conveyor systems for mining.
The Melbourne, Australia-based diversified miner said the agreement, signed in May at Boton’s Innovation Centre in Wuxi, builds on the companies’ long‑standing relationship and extends their partnership beyond product supply.
The expanded scope now includes technology development, lifecycle support, sustainability initiatives and global service capability.
The companies will co‑develop intelligent conveyor technologies to support increasingly automated operations, building on work at BHP’s Escondida copper mine.
BHP and intelligent industrial conveyor service provider Boton will also explore a joint supply chain partner programme aimed at tracking full‑lifecycle carbon footprints across raw materials, manufacturing, operations and end‑of‑life recycling.
The initiative includes advancing recycling solutions for used conveyor belts to improve circularity.
BHP Chief Commercial Officer Rag Udd said: “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.”
Boton plans to strengthen its service presence in BHP’s key mining regions by leveraging its international network, including facilities in Australia and Thailand, and establishing frontline service stations to improve response times.
Shares in BHP were up 0.1% at AUD60.24 in Sydney on Thursday.
By Judy Amaca, Alliance News reporter Asia-Pacific
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