EQUIPMENT
ARE ZERO EMISSION TRUCKS THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE MINING? Power-agnostic trucks, massive, hydrogenpowered haulers and other unique innovations are paving the way for a green future
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By Rodney Weidemann
T
he drive towards sustainability in the mining industry is gaining pace, as the reality of climate change hits home. Several proposed ideas to reduce emissions in large mine haul trucks are under way, notably pursued by Anglo American and a partnership between Komatsu and Cummins. The latter two have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the development of zeroemissions haulage equipment. This follows on Komatsu’s announcement last year of its power-agnostic truck concept for a haulage vehicle that can run on a variety of power sources. These include diesel electric, trolley, battery power and hydrogen fuel cells. The company notes that working with Cummins, a long-term partner, is complementary to its development of the power-agnostic truck. According to Hermann Hollhumer, general manager – Mining Operations South Africa at Komatsu SA, mining dump trucks, which traditionally run on diesel and are a huge part of a mine’s operations, obviously emit greenhouse gases, and efforts are required to reduce these. “The first part of the process was
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to determine how to transition from diesel-powered trucks, as these vehicles are the single biggest diesel consumer within the mining production chain. This determination was made in light of Komatsu’s commitments to creating value through technology innovation to empower a sustainable future – we aim to halve our emissions by 2030 and be carbon-neutral by 2050,” he says. Explaining the concept and development of these trucks, he says the best proxy is to look at the motor vehicle industry, like the Toyata Prius, that offers hybrid capabilities in that it has a normal engine, as well as a battery pack. “So for us the hydrogen power module component should be complemented with renewable energy solutions to truly reduce GHG. Cummins – as a power unit specialist – is developing the power-agnostic truck concept, leveraging our experience in the control systems and safety elements required to get the power to the drive train and wheels. “Having already developed electric trucks, which are easier to retrofit with this new technology than existing mechanical trucks and already have certain relevant systems built in, we are well-positioned to
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provide conversion advice. Ultimately, we are really excited about the potential this offers to positively impact sustainability, significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and have a massive positive impact on the environment,” he says.
HYDROGEN-BASED HAULING
Anglo American also recently unveiled what it referred to as the world’s largest hydrogenpowered mine haul truck prototype, designed to operate in everyday mining conditions, at its Mogalakwena PGMs mine in Limpopo. It has been reported that the 2MW hydrogen-battery hybrid truck, which generates more power than its diesel predecessor, is also capable of carrying a 290-tonne payload. The new truck forms part of the company’s nuGen™ Zero Emission Haulage Solution (ZEHS). nuGen™ provides a fully integrated green hydrogen system, consisting of production, fuelling and haulage system, with green hydrogen to be produced at the mine site. Speaking to the company’s focus on sustainability, Chief Executive Duncan Wanblad notes that nuGen™ is a tangible demonstration of its FutureSmart Mining™ programme.
