Australian mining company BHP has signed a multi-year global framework agreement with ABB, an automation technology company, to enhance opportunities for project delivery, operations, maintenance and, particularly, decarbonisation efforts across BHP's international operations.

The agreement is pivotal for BHP's commitment to achieving net-zero operational GHG emissions by 2050 to support a more sustainable mining sector.

ABB's contributions extend to various BHP operations including the Escondida mine in Chile, the Jansen project in Canada and numerous initiatives across Australian sites.

BHP chief commercial officer Rag Udd said: “South Australia is home to one of the most globally significant copper basins, and the world needs more quality copper to support the energy transition that is already under way.

“Strategic partnerships like the one we have with ABB will be integral in supporting BHP’s growth ambitions, such as those we have in South Australia, as well as our operational decarbonisation efforts globally.”

ABB's role in providing critical technologies and equipment is instrumental in supporting BHP's decarbonisation ambitions and sustainable growth in key commodities such as copper, potash and iron ore.

BHP group procurement officer Rashpal Bhatti said: “This multi-year agreement further solidifies the important partnership between BHP and ABB and will enable even greater collaboration as BHP looks to maintain productive, efficient and safe operations, reach our operational decarbonisation goals and achieve more sustainable growth.

“BHP’s relationship with ABB is underpinned by a shared commitment to sustainability, decarbonisation and generating social value for the communities in which we operate.”

In September this year, ABB expanded its ABB Care programme with new services to improve productivity within the mining sector.

The programme aims to streamline maintenance and improve the operational health of critical mining assets, using ABB’s expertise in mining and technology.