On May 8, Anglo American unveiled a hydrogen-powered truck weighing up to 220 tons at a platinum mine in northern South Africa.
Marketed as a vehicle to replace diesel-powered equipment from Anglo American, this massive truck, roughly the size of a small house, utilizes a 2 MW hydrogen fuel cell and can transport up to 290 tons of ore. It is currently displayed at the Mogalakwena mine, located approximately 250 km from Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city.
The world’s largest hydrogen truck by Anglo American. (Photo: South African Government)
“What we are bringing to market is not just an impressive piece of machinery, but the beginning of a whole ecosystem utilizing green hydrogen,” emphasized Cyril Ramaphosa, Chairman of Anglo American. “This is a leap forward for the future economy of South Africa. It is truly a historic moment! It gives us a clear vision of what the future will look like.”
The multinational mining company, headquartered in London, England, has stated its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.
Anglo American plans to use solar energy to split water into its component atoms of hydrogen and oxygen. When burned, hydrogen only releases water vapor, unlike fossil fuels that emit CO2, contributing to global warming.
CEO Duncan Wanblad mentioned that in the coming years, Anglo American will either convert or completely replace its existing diesel-powered truck fleet with a zero-emission transportation system based on green hydrogen.
“If this pilot project is successful, we could eliminate up to 80% of diesel engine emissions at open-pit mines by implementing hydrogen technology across all of Anglo American’s transport fleet,” Wanblad added.
Last November, wealthy nations including France, Germany, the UK, and the US committed to providing technical support and funding of at least $8.5 billion to assist South Africa in transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
