Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) has partnered with the global mining company Anglo American to develop its hydrogen-powered ultra-class electric mining haul truck, which is set to be the world’s largest hydrogen-powered mine truck.
It is a part of Anglo American’s innovation-led approach to sustainable mining, FutureSmart Mining, that aims to reduce its global greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030, ultimately, a step towards carbon-neutral mining.
The existing vehicle’s diesel engine of the haul truck will be replaced by a hydrogen Fuel Cell Module paired with a scalable (more than) 1,000 kWh modular lithium-ion battery system.
Along with the significant peak power capability, it will also deliver the robustness seen in industrial diesel engines for harsh environments. Besides, the battery system will be able to regain energy through regenerative braking as the haul truck travels downhill.
The power units will be designed and built at WAE and integrated into an existing mining haul truck. The testings are planned later this year.
“We have a longstanding commitment as a leader in responsible mining, with numerous examples of our progressive business decisions across many decades and we look forward to working with Williams Advanced Engineering to deliver this important step-change technology, a true world-first for a vehicle of this size and load capacity,” said Julian Soles, Head of Technology Development for Anglo American.
