President Ramaphosa to launch zero emissions mining truck

• Published date: 06 May 2022
• Publication title: South African Official News

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to officiate the launch of the world's largest hydrogen-powered, zero emissions mine haul truck on Friday afternoon.

The giant truck - which was designed and constructed by mining giant Anglo American - is a zero emissions prototype of a 290-tonne payload hauler and uses both hydrogen and lithium batteries as its power train.

Anglo American Chief Executive Duncan Wanblad said this is the company's first step into replacing its fleet with zero-emissions emitting trucks.

'Over the next several years, we envisage converting or replacing our current fleet of diesel-powered trucks with this zero-emission haulage system, fueled with green hydrogen. If this pilot is successful, we could remove up to 80% of diesel emissions at our open pit mines by rolling this technology across our global fleet,' he said.

The President is expected to address the launch and also observe a demonstration of the truck's capabilities.

In a statement, the Presidency said the use of hydrogen to drive the truck paints a picture of a cleaner South African mining industry.

'The use of this technology demonstrates the efficiency of hydrogen in the heaviest classes of transport and the role it can play in the transition toward a low carbon future.

'This innovative investment...