Redwood and Caterpillar: Recovering the critical minerals that power mining’s electrification

At Redwood, we’re building a battery supply chain to power the energy transition and a critical materials reserve. Today, we're excited to share our strategic collaboration with Caterpillar to recycle the batteries from their battery-electric underground loaders, an essential piece of equipment for modern mining operations. 

The very metals mined by Caterpillar’s equipment are used to manufacture batteries, powering the world’s evolving energy landscape. Now, Redwood is ensuring that those same metals are being recovered and returned to the supply chain. This collaboration is further strengthened by Caterpillar Venture Capital’s investment in Redwood’s Series D, highlighting their commitment to a more circular future for mining and electrification. 

Caterpillar’s R1700 XE is a fully electric, zero-emission underground loader designed for high-performance mining operations. It is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack that eliminates the need for diesel fuel, significantly reducing on-site emissions. Each R1700 XE battery pack is substantial—with a 213-kWh capacity. To put this into perspective, one of these battery packs has a capacity equivalent to 17,193 iPhones. These batteries contain lithium, a high-value mineral that can be recovered and reintroduced into the battery supply chain. 

Caterpillar is a leader in heavy equipment innovation, and their commitment to electrification is setting new standards for efficiency and sustainability in the mining industry. Equipment, like the R1700 XE batteries we are recycling, play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions, lowering operating costs, and improving air quality in underground mining environments. As global demand for batteries continues to rise—expected to grow by more than 1,000% in the coming decade—recycling alone cannot meet this unprecedented need. Mining for critical minerals will remain essential, and companies like Caterpillar will play a key role in responsibly extracting these resources to support electrification. The key is ensuring that, at the end of their life, the batteries powering this equipment are recycled efficiently, closing the loop on the materials supply chain.  

The future of electrification depends on our ability to recover and reuse the materials that power it. Our partnership with Caterpillar highlights the immense potential of a truly circular supply chain—one where the metals that power our technology never go to waste. Before recycling, we often deploy batteries for second-life applications through Redwood Energy, and we are exploring this opportunity with Caterpillar and all of our recycling partners. As we continue to expand our capabilities and partnerships, we remain committed to closing the loop on the battery supply chain. Together, with partners like Caterpillar, we are building a future where the materials we depend on are sustainably sourced, responsibly managed, and recycled.