Cement Manufacturers Association (CMA)

11 batteries poses a challenge, capable of sustaining these large vehicles for extended periods is currently impractical and difficult. Hydrogen driven vehicles (FCEVs) Use of hydrogen at a mining site is by replacing heavy-haul diesel or gasoline trucks with fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) that run on hydrogen gas. Hydrogen-powered mining equipment and vehicles are currently used by various mines in the USA, and it is foreseeable that their application will only increase as the technology is refined and further developed. With the global Hydrogen Council recently projecting that hydrogen is expected to contribute to 20% of carbon emissions reduction targets by 2050, using such FCEVs on a large mining site could go a long way in implementing and meeting the sustainability goals of such projects. Hydrogen infrastructure supporting electrification of mining areas In the operating mining areas, it is very difficult to provide electrification at all places. The Green hydrogen fuel cells offer an innovative solution for remote mining operations by providing a portable and energy-dense fuel source that can be easily transported and stored. Furthermore, green hydrogen infrastructure can enable the electrification of mining processes, for crushing and processing plants. Hydrogen will become a game-changer with its noteworthy contribution to clean energy transitions for mining operations along with other industries such as oil refining and ammonia, methanol, and steel production etc. In the mining sector hydrogen is forming part either as carbon-free fuel to displace diesel in heavy equipment, such as haul trucks and trains, or to generate electricity to power processing plant, with testing already underway and the potential for it to be used more widely before the end of the decade. Hydrogen technologies can offer conversion efficiencies of approximately 65% to 75%, meaning significant savings in electricity costs and reduced dependence on diesel for fuel. In addition to improving site efficiency and reliability, the storage system can help to balance seasonal variations, save costs by deploying energy during peak hours and provide a secondary commodity that may be sold, including during a temporary mine closure or at the end of mine life. International Efforts in usage of Hydrogen in Mining Operations Major international mining industries which utilize hydrogen fuel are Anglo American, Fortescue Metals Group, BHP, Rio Tinto, ArcelorMittal, Australian Vanadium, Glencore, Ivanhoe Mines, Macarthur Minerals, and Province Resource Limited. In Australia, Fortescue Metals Group is in the process of replacing its fleet of diesel coaches at its Christmas Creek iron ore mine with hydrogen fuel cell-powered coaches. Meanwhile in Chile, Antofagasta Minerals launched a pilot scheme wherein it simulates a hydrogen-fueled mining truck to test its performance in real mining conditions. South African mining company Anglo American launched large nuGen zero emissions haulage solution (ZEHS) hydrogen-powered mine haul truck in last year – a 220Tonnes truck with a load capacity of 290 Tonnes, providing a total laden weight of 510 Tonnes. Four companies i.e. Anglo American, ENGIE, Plug Power, and Ballard Power Systems have been collaborating to produce this hydrogen-powered mining haul truck, and one of it is operating at Anglo American’s Mogalakwena Platinum mine. The truck is currently the world’s largest heavy-duty hydrogen vehicle. The hauler A photo of the completed hauler. The truck is being launched first at Anglo American’s Mogalakwena mine in South Africa. (Source: Anglo American)