Fortescue: The Move Towards Decarbonised Mining Logistics

The mining industry is a major contributor of emissions, even when mining specifically for renewables.

Fortescue is working towards industry decarbonisation, taking innovative steps to reduce emissions across its operations and demonstrate the capabilities untapped in the sector.

Its latest step in responsible mining is the commissioning of two battery electric locomotives, which will transport goods across its operations.

Electric locomotives

Fortescue is a global metal mining company, working towards the acceleration of the industry through its use of technology and sustainable operations. It is a major supplier of iron ore and is committed to eliminating fossil fuels across its operations.

As the company expands, it is working on the development of technology that can eliminate global emissions. Its metals businesses is made up predominately of iron ore operations in the Pilbara, with its three mining hubs connected by 760km of rail. It ships more than 190 million tonnes of iron ore every year. 

With an aim of running its Australian iron ore operations on green energy by 2020, it is taking innovative steps to undergo this transformation.

In its latest step towards its decarbonisation journey, Fortescue has commissioned two new battery electric locomotives on its rail network. These locomotives will be a part of the company's Pilbara iron ore operations.

The battery electric locomotives will be delivered by Progress Rail and will reduce Fortescue's diesel use by around one million litres every year. The batteries have a capacity of 14.5MWh each, with the capability of recovering 40-60% of energy through regenerative braking.

This is an energy recovery mechanism which converts its kinetic energy during braking into electrical energy that can be stored until needed.

Fortescue’s Pilbara Energy Connect program will deliver the renewable power that these locomotives will operate on.

“Real Zero is about transforming the way we power our assets, move our materials and run our operations, not offsetting emissions but eliminating them," explains Dino Otranto, Chief Executive Officer of Fortescue Metals and Operations.

“Decarbonising our rail network is a critical part of that task and the commissioning of these battery electric locomotives demonstrates that heavy-haul rail can operate reliably without fossil fuels.

“For a mining operation of this scale, decarbonisation only works if renewable energy is firm, reliable and available 24/7. That’s why we’re building an integrated system combining large-scale solar and wind generation, battery storage and transmission infrastructure.

“Through Pilbara Energy Connect, we’ve already constructed more than 480 kilometres of high-voltage transmission lines, physically linking our energy assets to our operations and rail network. This infrastructure enables renewable power to replace diesel and gas, in real time, across the Pilbara.”

All supply chain, sustainability, Scope 3 and net zero leaders should attend:

• Procurement and Supply Chain LIVE: The Net Zero Summit - QEII Centre, London, March 4-5
• Procurement and Supply Chain LIVE: The US Summit - Navy Pier, Chicago, April 21-22

Co-located with Sustainability LIVE, these events brings together CSCOs, CSOs and senior decision-makers at a moment when sustainability, supply chains and commercial performance are increasingly interconnected.
Tickets can be booked online today for The Net Zero Summit and The US Summit. Group discounts available.

Real Zero

With carbon emissions being a major driver of climate change, Fortescue is working towards Real Zero - a step further than Net Zero, with plans in place to reach absolute zero emissions across Scope 1 and 2 terrestrial emissions by 2030.

The company has undertaken various innovative projects in order to mine metals without emissions, demonstrating how the development of the green transition can be done sustainably. Project Roadrunner is its battery electric haul truck prototype, using a 1.4MWH battery and can be changed in 30 minutes. Now, it is directing this innovation to its rail transportation. 

“Our relationship with Fortescue reflects what is possible when two organisations share a commitment to advancing the future of rail," says John Newman, Progress Rail President and Chief Executive Officer.

“We are proud to deliver rail solutions that help our customers meet their toughest challenges, and we look forward to continuing to deliver products that enhance safety, reliability and sustainable performance across the rail network.”

Decarbonisation innovations

The company already has systems in place to limit its emissions, including the operation of a 100MW solar farm at North Star Junction. A 250MWh battery energy storage system was recently installed to support it, with the capabilities of delivering 50MW of power for up to five hours. This is critical for the stabilising of renewable supply across Fortescue's operations.

The mining company is also making progress with its 190MW Cloudbreak Solar Farm, with other solar farms in progress to aid its decarbonisation journey.

“Battery storage is the backbone of a renewable-powered mining system," adds Agustin Pichot, CEO of Growth and Energy at Fortescue.

“By integrating Fortescue Zero’s Elysia battery intelligence and management software, we’re able to optimise performance, extend battery life and intelligently balance energy across the network in real time.

“This technology ensures the right power is available at the right time – whether that’s supporting rail operations, smoothing solar output or maximising the value of stored energy.”

The company is also expanding its electric mining equipment, with 12 electric excavators and one electric drill operational across its Pilbara sites. With this, Fortescue is working hard to decarbonise the mining sector, with its growing portfolio of renewable energy and electrified infrastructure.