Anglo’s R3bn for zero emissions truck haul

Anglo American kicked off the decarbonisation of its global fleet of ultra-class mine haul trucks in early 2023.

This is in line with its supply agreement with First Mode in support of the global mining company’s aim to achieve carbon neutral operations by 2040. Diesel emissions from mine haul trucks account for 10-15 percent of Anglo American’s total Scope 1 emissions, and haulage trucks account for up to 80 percent of diesel emissions at open pit mines.

Studies will have to be carried out across seven mine sites, performance and cost criteria need to be evaluated and regulatory, corporate and stakeholder approvals will be sought prior to the roll-out of the haul truck fleet over the next decade and a half.

Provision has also been made, under the supply agreement with specialist engineering technology company First Mode, for refuelling, recharging, and facilitation of hydrogen production infrastructure.

Prototype

A prototype of the nuGen™ ZEHS hydrogen-powered mine haul truck was launched at Anglo American’s Mogalakwena PGMs mine in Limpopo in May 2022. The mine, which was established in 1993, is the largest open pit platinum mine in the world.

NuGen™ ZEHS is part of the mining giant’s FutureSmart Mining programme and is seen as an end-to-end solution to decarbonise heavy duty transport. It includes:

• Hydrogen production,
• On-site storage,
• Ultra-heavy-duty refuelling, and
• Hydrogen-battery hybrid powertrains to replace incumbent fossil fuel technology.

Shareholding

Anglo American acquired a 10 percent strategic equity interest in First Mode in 2021. Under the agreement, the mining company will make an additional capital investment of about R3 billion ($200 million) in the combined business to help fund the ongoing development of ZEHS.

Upon completion of the transaction, Anglo American will become a majority shareholder of First Mode, and the remaining equity interest will be held by First Mode’s founders and employees.