BHP and BOTON to advance intelligent, lower-carbon conveyor systems in mining

BHP and China’s intelligent industrial conveyor service provider Wuxi BOTON Technology Co., Ltd. (BOTON) have signed a Global Framework Agreement to expand their collaboration to advance innovative and more sustainable conveyor systems in mining.

The agreement, signed in May 2026 at BOTON’s Innovation Centre in Wuxi, builds on a long-standing relationship between the two organisations. It broadens the existing partnership beyond product supply to include technology development, lifecycle support, sustainability initiatives and global service capability. The partnership will focus on three key areas.

Co-creating intelligent conveyor solutions

BHP and BOTON will aim to co-develop technologies to support increasingly automated conveyor operations. Building on work at BHP’s Escondida copper mine, this includes exploring the deployment of advanced intelligent equipment at scale, including longitudinal rip detection, X-ray digital scanning, AI-based automatic belt alignment and robotic inspection systems.

Supporting lower‑carbon operations

BHP and BOTON will explore the joint launch of a Supply Chain Partner Programme to explore a full-lifecycle carbon footprint tracking system for the mining sector, covering raw materials, manufacturing, operation and end-of-life recycling. This includes developing approaches to better track and manage carbon footprints, and advancing recycling solutions for used conveyor belts to improve circularity and reduce environmental impact.

Strengthening global service capability

BOTON will enhance its local service presence in BHP’s key mining regions by leveraging its international network, including facilities in Australia and Thailand. It plans to establish frontline service stations to improve response times.

BHP Chief Commercial Officer Rag Udd said:

“This agreement taps the strength of our long-standing partnership with BOTON and our shared focus on innovation, safety, and sustainability.

“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 Chairman Bao Zhifang said:

“This agreement marks an important milestone in our collaboration with BHP. It reflects our evolution from a product supplier to a strategic partner and sets the foundation for the next phase of our collaboration.

“We look forward to continuing our work together to develop intelligent conveyor solutions that support the future of mining.”