The mining industry is now embracing renewable energy-powered equipment to reduce emissions.
Central to this transition is Liebherr, one of the world’s largest equipment manufacturers. With its commitment to sustainability, it is helping drive the shift towards zero-emissions mining.
Mining truck goes green
Liebherr’s journey toward zero-emission mining solutions achieved a milestone in 2024 with the deployment of a hydrogen-powered mining truck.
Traditional mining trucks, which are typically powered by diesel, generate significant emissions and contribute heavily to the industry’s overall environmental footprint.
The company’s hydrogen-powered haul truck prototype nicknamed “Europa,” represents a significant milestone in the push for cleaner mining operations.
The truck is equipped with a 516kWh battery developed by Fortescue Zero, complemented by 500 kilowatts of fuel cells.
Europa’s storage capacity is impressive, capable of holding over 380 kilograms of liquid hydrogen, providing it with the range and power necessary to operate in the rugged environments typical of mining operations.
Contract for a new era
Fortescue and Liebherr’s collaboration extends beyond hydrogen-powered trucks.
In a historic move, the two companies announced a US$2.8 billion partnership in September 2024.
This collaboration will result in the supply of 475 zero-emission Liebherr machines which will be deployed across Fortescue’s operations in Western Australia by the end of 2030.
This deal represents a transformative moment in the mining industry, as it will replace nearly two-thirds of Fortescue’s current fleet with zero-emission machinery.
At the core of this partnership are the 360 autonomous battery-electric T 264 trucks, which integrate Fortescue Zero’s cutting-edge battery.
This collaboration represents the marriage of Fortescue’s innovative energy solutions with Liebherr’s proven track record of excellence in haul truck design.
The battery-electric T 264 truck combines Fortescue Zero’s heritage of innovation, delivering a battery power system designed for best-in-class range and durability in all mining environments, with Liebherr’s proven haul truck excellence. The first autonomous battery-electric trucks are expected to begin onsite validation by the end of 2025.
This marks a significant step forward in Liebherr and Fortescue’s shared vision for zero-emission mining.
The trusted mining partner
The collaboration between Fortescue and Liebherr is not a coincidence.
One of the key reasons Fortescue chose Liebherr as its partner is the company’s long-standing reputation for delivering reliable, high-performance machinery tailored to the demands of the mining industry.
Liebherr’s expertise in creating equipment that thrives in the harshest conditions ensures its machines meet performance expectations. The company also helps reduce operational costs, which is crucial for any successful mining operation.
Liebherr’s commitment to innovation and sustainability aligns perfectly with Fortescue’s mission to achieve zero-emission mining by 2030.
The equipment designed by Liebherr is built with environmental impact in mind, ensuring that productivity and sustainability go together.
This combination of reliability, adaptability, and eco-conscious design made Liebherr the ideal partner to help Fortescue advance its zero-emission vision for the mining sector.
The company is also heavily investing in its global infrastructure to support the continued development and deployment of zero-emission technologies.
Liebherr’s investment in personnel, remote support services, and global infrastructure also ensures that these advanced solutions can be implemented smoothly, with minimal disruption to operations. This dedication to customer service and technological advancement makes Liebherr an industry leader, capable of meeting the growing demand for sustainable mining solutions.
The collaboration between Liebherr and Fortescue reaches far beyond renewables-powered trucks.
It encompasses electric excavators, autonomous haulage systems, battery-powered dozers and a broad suite of cutting-edge technologies aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of mining.
For more information, visit liebherr.com
This article featured in the February edition of ecogeneration.
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