ROME – It weighs 200 tons empty, is three floors high and is the largest zero-emission truck in the world. The ‘green’ giant is produced by the Anglo American multinational, based in London and considered the largest producer of diamonds, nickel and copper in the world. He recently unveiled a prototype, designed specifically for mining in Mogalakwena, South Africa, a site rich in platinum, gold, rhodium, palladium and ruthenium. To move the vehicle is powered by a hybrid battery and hydrogen system, which also allows it to transport a single load of 290 tons of material.
The mega-battery from 1.2 MWh, combined with a cell system a fuel which generates well 800 kW, allows the truck to generate a total power really superior compared to that provided by its “counterpart” fueled by diesel. The interaction between the two traction systems, each of which delivers 50% of the total power with the recovery of energy that occurs through braking, thus increasing the autonomy of the vehicle, is managed through a software, which coordinates the contribution. of energy coming from both and seeking maximum efficiency based on the conditions of use.
The vehicle, designed to accelerate the Anglo American’s transition to low environmental impact vehicles only, will run on green hydrogen available inside the mine, through a production and refueling plant built by the multinational. But the process initiated by Anglo American to reduce the environmental impact of its business is not limited to the adoption of zero-emission means of transport.
Among the various initiatives, which should lead the mining giant to carbon neutrality by 2040, there is also the adoption of extraction methods based on the digitization of processes and the creation of entire “clean” ecosystems. In fact, thanks to the collaboration of Anglo American with the Department of Science and Innovation and the South African National Development Institute, a real Hydrogen Valley has arisen in the country, with theobjective of promoting the use of green hydrogen in industry, construction and transport.