14 minute read
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
By Rodney Weidemann
The 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 e orts are required to reduce these.
“The first part of the process was 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 o ers 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 provide conversion advice. Ultimately, we are really excited about the potential this o ers 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.
“renewable energy generation. – Hollhumer
“With diesel emissions from our haul truck fleet accounting for 10-15% of our total Scope 1 emissions, this is an important step on our pathway to carbon-neutral operations by 2040. The mining industry is playing a considerable role in helping the world decarbonise, both through its own emissions footprint and the metals and minerals that it produces, which are critical to low-carbon energy and transport systems,” he says.
“Over the next several years, we envisage converting or replacing our current fleet of diesel-powered trucks with this zeroemission haulage system, fuelled with green hydrogen. If this pilot is successful, we could remove up to 80% of diesel emissions at our open-pit mines by rolling this technology across our global fleet.”
In addition, points out Natascha Viljoen, CEO of Anglo American Platinum, PGMs play an essential catalytic role in many clean-air technologies, including related to hydrogen production and hydrogen-fuelled transportation.
“As part of our market development work, we have for some years been working towards establishing the right ecosystem to successfully develop, scale up and deploy hydrogen-fuelled solutions.
“Hydrogen has a significant and wide-ranging role to play in achieving a low-carbon future – particularly as an energy carrier enabling the development of a renewables-based power generation system. We are excited about the potential of nuGen™, among other opportunities, as we work to champion the development of South Africa’s Hydrogen Valley,” she says. ■
HOW THE IOT IS MAKING BRIDGES SAFER
Monitoring load distribution on bridges is a key safety measure. Using internet of things solutions means a formerly manual process can be automated and improved
There is little doubt that the internet of things (IoT) o ers organisations the potential to implement “smart” solutions. These make life easier and more convenient, help to improve and streamline processes, and ensure information is received in good time, where it was previously unavailable or di icult to acquire.
Smart solutions are highly personalised, but always begin with an object and a sensor. An important area in which sensors facilitate smart monitoring is in power measurement, where pressure sensors are employed to measure and record load distribution on bridges.
The volume of tra ic on our roads is an unknown quantity and the growing proportion of trucks and other heavy vehicles places increasing load strain on bridges. At the same time, it must be understood that the ground is not a static feature, since plate tectonics cause everything on the planet to move and the ground beneath our feet to change daily.
These two variables will inevitably cause the load distribution on a bridge to shi . Therefore, in order to ensure continual safety, it is necessary to monitor and identify changes in the load distribution on an ongoing basis. This is done by using smart sensors.
Previously, bridge loads were displayed using a mechanical indicator on the bridge bearings, something that had to be read onsite. To deliver the kind of smart information required continuously, Keller has focused its attention on this central supporting element of the bridge, choosing to integrate a networked pressure measurement solution into the bearing.
The bridge transfers the loads to an elastomer cushion, while between the pressure sensor and the elastomer, there is a layer of grease. This functions as a pressure transfer medium, and makes it possible to measure the internal pressure, due to loading. This change in pressure is determined by a pressure transmitter with a customer-specific design that integrates perfectly into the bridge bearing.
The GSM module then reads the data directly, via a digital interface, and sends a warning message to those responsible, depending on the measured value. The use of stainless steel-covered pressure sensors with an especially long service life guarantees decades of reliable measurements and functional safety.
There can be little doubt about the importance of digital transformation and the benefits o ered by the IoT. In the example we are discussing here, the application of IoT-based sensors and solutions means that bridges can now be reliably and continuously monitored for the kind of changes in load distribution that genuinely pose a threat. Thus, should the data indicate it, these bridges can rapidly and easily be closed to maintain the highest levels of safety. ■
Mechanical indicator on the bridge bearings. It is vital to monitor changes in the load distribution on an ongoing basis. – Keller “ “
TOMRA MINING
TOMRA Mining will showcase its sensor-based sorting solutions at the Electra Mining 2022 exhibition in Johannesburg, conducting live demonstrations for the first time, illustrating its unique advantages for diamond operations.
“The Electra Mining show is the perfect platform for us to showcase TOMRA’s advanced mining solutions,” says Corné de Jager, diamond segment manager for TOMRA Mining. “These will be demonstrated to the decision makers attending.”
The company will demonstrate the Final Recovery sorter with fine kimberlitic or alluvial ore, together with diamond powdered tracers in a Final Recovery and Sort House application. Visitors will be able to experience first-hand the sorter’s capability to produce an ultra-high diamond-by-weight concentrate with an exceptionally low yield. This is achieved through a proprietary ultra-high-resolution sensor, advanced new image processing, and high-precision ejector valve system.
“The sorter o ers 100% diamond detection within the specified size fraction and > 99% guaranteed diamond recovery with appropriate feed material preparation. Plant managers and operators will appreciate this user-friendly, compact and easy-to-operate and -maintain sorter,” he says.
LIBERTY COAL
LAUNCHES HENDRINA COMMUNITY CSI PROGRAMME
July is widely known as the birth month of the late former President Nelson Mandela. In celebration and recognition of this great leader, Liberty Coal has kicked o its Nelson Mandela Month campaign at a community social investment (CSI) initiative in its host community of Hendrina, Mpumalanga.
The programme is aimed at empowering the immediate Hendrina community, with particular focus on the youth, with skills and advantages that will put them in good stead in the job market.
It forms part of Liberty Coal’s ongoing commitment to conducting sustainable mining operations that benefit Optimum Coal Mine’s host communities to make a di erence in the fight against unemployment.
The key driver of this initiative will see 20 beneficiaries participate in a Code 10 and Code 14 driver’s licence programme, which will allow them to drive any vehicle up to 16 000kg with a trailer of up to 750kg.
Another 20 community members will undertake an articulated dump truck operator training programme. Furthermore, 100 school uniforms will be provided.
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