Giant mining trucks, the behemoths of the mining industry, are undergoing a green revolution with the shift towards clean energy. Leading global manufacturers like Caterpillar and Liebherr are at the forefront of developing and testing electric and hydrogen-powered trucks, aiming to minimize carbon emissions and move towards a sustainable future.
Vale, one of the world’s largest mining corporations, is partnering with Caterpillar to test electric giant dump trucks with a payload capacity of up to 240 tons at its mine in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The goal of this collaboration is to study heavy-duty truck models using ethanol and alternative energy solutions, helping Vale reduce its carbon emissions by 33% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Vale and Caterpillar partnership logo for electric mining truck development
In Vale’s mining operations, diesel-powered vehicles account for 15% of total direct CO2 emissions. Giant dump trucks, due to their high fuel consumption, are considered a major source of emissions. Therefore, investing in carbon-neutral solutions and establishing collaborative strategies is a top priority for Vale.
Caterpillar is also developing energy transition solutions for trucks and will conduct testing at Vale’s mines in Para over the next 2-3 years. The test models include the 793 BEV (battery electric vehicle), fuel cell trucks, and V2G/V2x energy transition systems. The testing process will help Vale select suitable equipment to achieve its emission reduction goals.
Caterpillar 793 BEV electric mining truck being tested
In late 2022, Caterpillar demonstrated the operational capabilities of the 793 mining truck powered by battery energy instead of a traditional diesel engine at its testing facility in Tucson, Arizona.
Caterpillar demonstrates the 793 battery electric mining truck
Not only Caterpillar, but Liebherr, a multinational construction equipment company, and Fortescue, an Australian iron ore operator, have also completed the first test of the hydrogen-powered giant dump truck T 264 (Europa) in Perth, Western Australia.
Liebherr T 264 hydrogen mining truck Europa
Europa is equipped with a 1.6 MWh battery pack developed by Fortescue WAE and a 500 kW fuel cell. This prototype giant dump truck can hold over 380 kg of liquid hydrogen.
Fortescue WAE 1.6 MWh battery and 500 kW fuel cell on Liebherr T 264 Europa
The development of electric and hydrogen giant mining trucks is opening a new era for the mining industry, moving towards more efficient and environmentally friendly operations. The application of this advanced technology not only helps reduce the environmental impact of heavy industry but also contributes to global sustainable development goals.
