Anglo American is starting to develop hydrogen power technologies for its mining and freight haulage.

A mining haul truck is being retrofitted for hydrogen power in Limpopo, South Africa, at the firm's platinum mine, with a hydrogen fuel cell providing half of the power; a battery will provide the rest. Anglo American’s powertrain technologies could displace the use of the majority of diesel at its mining operations, as it looks to create a regional renewable energy ecosystem built at the Mogalakwena mine, with the electrolyser in Africa, a solar power field, and ability to generate 140MW.

In Australia, rail freight operator Aurizon is partnering on a feasibility study to assess the introduction of hydrogen-powered trains for bulk freight. If the Feasibility Study is successful, the agreement between the two companies could be extended to further phases of collaboration, which could include detailed engineering and the development of a hydrogen fuelled heavy haul locomotive prototype.

Both projects form a part of Anglo American’s commitment to carbon neutral, with its operations being carbon neutral by 2040.

Tyler Mitchelson, CEO of Anglo American in Australia, said, “Anglo American has committed to carbon neutral operations by 2040, and we are aiming to reduce our Scope 3 emissions by 50 per cent in the same timeframe. We know that we cannot achieve all of this alone, so we are working with partners along our value chains and outside our industry to find technical solutions to decarbonise.”

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