Mining Firms 'Should Consider Hydrogen-Driven Mining Trucks'

The mining sector's growing focus on battery technology should not preclude plans for using hydrogen-powered vehicles, a leading Australian mining industry expert says.

Tyrone Woodfin, Senior Mining Engineer at global mining consultancy SRK Consulting describes hydrogen fuel-cell mining trucks as “a potential long-term solution for the industry”.

"Hydrogen is not there yet, but if you're planning a mine for the next 10–20 years, you should consider the likelihood of hydrogen becoming a viable fuel source during that period," Woodfin told Australian Mining.

The choice between battery or hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles has implications for mining operations: battery-electric vehicles use rechargeable batteries to power electric motors, while hydrogen fuel cell vehicles generate electricity on board using hydrogen gas.

"Companies are starting to assess the options available to decarbonise the haulage of their mining operations," Woodfin said.

At present, Australia's largest mining companies have focused on batteries over hydrogen to reduce carbon emissions from their vehicle fleets. Battery technology is advancing as a result.

Woodfin, who specialises in mine planning and scheduling, noted that most mines globally cannot access hydrogen from external sources.

"Although hydrogen is used in industry around the world, green hydrogen, the preferred choice for a decarbonised fuel cell haul-truck is currently not commonly available," he said. 

Green hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources

Despite its complications, Woodfin stated that hydrogen remains the closest substitute for diesel power in mining fleets.

"Liquid hydrogen fuel has great long-term potential because it overcomes limitations with battery technology in terms of range and delivers greater flexibility in a mining operation," he said.

Woodfin explained that in deep copper mines, current battery technologies may not provide sufficient energy for trucks to exit the pit under their own power. In such cases, trucks would rely on trolley-assist systems, which provide electrical power through overhead lines, similar to city trams.

BluVein, a mining technology company, is developing trolley-assist systems in collaboration with Epiroc, a manufacturer of mining equipment.

As it stands, mining companies in Australia are increasingly choosing batteries for their future fleets over hydrogen power.

"Battery technology is far more of a known quantity," Woodfin said. "It's easier, cheaper and faster to achieve carbon reduction through fleet electrification."

Major equipment manufacturers are developing battery-powered trucks. Komatsu, a construction and mining equipment manufacturer, recently partnered with GE to develop a hydrogen fuel cell haul truck.

Woodfin, who joined SRK Consulting this year, anticipates hydrogen fuel cells will emerge as a viable option in mining in coming decades.

"I suspect much will depend on a mine's location, the depth of the pits and access to renewable energy and hydrogen," Woodfin said. "If companies can work together to develop shared hydrogen-generation facilities or access external sources, hydrogen will become more competitive with battery technology over time."