A prototype of the world’s largest hydrogen-powered mine haulage truck designed to operate in everyday mining conditions has been unveiled at a platinum mine in South Africa.

According to ESI Africa, the 2 MW hydrogen-battery hybrid truck forms part of Anglo American’s FutureSmart Mining initiative, which aims to reduce the use of water, energy and capital during mining processes by more than 30% by 2040.

The truck is capable of carrying a 290 ton payload and generates more power than its diesel predecessor. It will be used at the global mining company’s Mogalakwena open-pit mine, near Mokopane in Limpopo.

‘With diesel emissions from our haul-truck fleet accounting for 10% to 15% of our total Scope 1 emissions, this is an important step on our pathway to carbon-neutral operations by 2040,’ says Duncan Wanblad, chief executive of Anglo American. ‘Over the next several years, we envisage converting or replacing our current fleet of diesel-powered trucks with this zero-emission haulage system, fuelled with green hydrogen.’

He adds that if the pilot is successful, the company could remove up to 80% of diesel emissions at its open-pit mines.

17 April 2022
Image: Anglo American