A mining giant will quickly decarbonise its heavy vehicle fleet.
Anglo American recently signed a US$1.5 billion (A$2.2B) binding agreement with First Mode to add the US-based target to the resources company’s existing nuGen Zero Emissions Haulage Solution (ZEHS).
The enlarged entity called First Mode will enter a 15-year supplier agreement with Anglo to start converting 400 ultra-class diesel haul trucks to zero-emission, hydrogen-powered heavy vehicles. A further US$200 million (A$295.6M) cash investment is promised to accelerate development and commercialisation of the nuGen ZEHS across all global operations.
Critical mine site infrastructure for hydrogen refuelling, battery recharging, and hydrogen production will also be required. The deal is promised to remove an equivalent of 280,000 carbon dioxide-emitting light vehicles off the road.
There is potential for hydrogen-powered technology to be rolled out across other forms of mine transport, even in different industries altogether.
“The roll-out … is subject to the completion of agreed and committed studies across seven mine sites, certain performance and cost criteria – and relevant regulatory, corporate and shareholder approvals,” the proponent said in a public statement.
“The supply agreement also includes the appropriate provision of critical supporting infrastructure such as refuelling, recharging and facilitation of hydrogen production.”
The acquisition is expected to be complete sometime in January 2023.
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