Anglo American has partnered with ENGIE to develop and fuel the world’s largest hydrogen-powered mine haul truck. The project is reportedly part of Anglo American’s innovation-led approach to sustainable mining, FutureSmart Mining, which applies innovative thinking and technological advances to address mining’s major sustainability challenges.
In this collaboration, ENGIE is providing the hydrogen generation solutions while Anglo American develops the truck. According to media reports, this marks the first time a truck of this size and load capacity has been converted to run on hydrogen.
Furthermore, the first movement/motion of the hydrogen powered truck is expected in 2020. This will be followed by a testing and validation program at Anglo American’s Mogalakwena platinum group metals mine in South Africa. This will be proceeded by deployment of the trucks to other Anglo American operations.
Operational performance of the converted trucks is expected to be the same or better than the original diesel trucks, with the additional benefits of cleaner air, less noise and lower maintenance costs.
The Technical Director of Anglo American, Tony O’Neill, expressed his optimism in the partnership with ENGIE. He also explained that as part of their Smart Power Project, Anglo American analyzed their mine site power requirements and applied a unique decision process on they perceive renewable energy systems and their benefits. The outcome of this was a mix that allows the mining giant to be carbon neutral and have a very different footprint.
This, he elaborates, is part of their plan to create a smart energy mix that moves us closer towards their carbon and energy targets for 2030 and, ultimately, their vision of operating a carbon-neutral mine.
Michele Azalbert, CEO of ENGIE’s hydrogen business, said that the solution aims to help decarbonize the mining sector. Anglo American’s global footprint and its journey to operational carbon neutrality are aligned with ENGIE’s strategy to develop large-scale integrated hydrogen solutions in local and global markets.
