The Christmas Creek ore processing facility. Image: Fortescue Metals Group
Fortescue Metals Group will look to roll out its new hydrogen-powered haul truck in the second half of this decade with the company having commenced testing of the new vehicle.
It comes as Fortescue revealed its 2021 Climate Change Report this week.
The company has reaffirmed its goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, with the aim to reduce net emissions across existing and future operations to zero in the same time frame.
“Haul trucks at our mine sites account for approximately 26 per cent of our Scope 1 operational emissions or 537,000 tonnes of CO2-e emissions in FY21,” Fortescue stated in the report.
“Decarbonising the mining fleet is one of the biggest challenges facing our industry. While electric light vehicles are readily available for the passenger and domestic market, there are currently no large-scale economic or technologically viable vehicles available for our haulage operations.
“Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) has established our own research and testing facility in Perth, and this facility will become the focal point of innovation and collaboration to accelerate the commercialisation of low emissions solutions.”
FFI’s Hazelmere facility has been the company’s new home for green innovations.
FFI are managing and trialling technology on hydrogen, ammonia and battery power for trains, ship engines, haul trucks and drill rigs for technology demonstrations at the site.
Fortescue has created dedicated teams to assist in their pursuit of decarbonisation, including one focused on researching and developing technical solutions to decarbonise its haul trucks, trains and other heavy mechanical equipment.
Fortescue delivered its highest iron ore shipments in history at 182.2 million tonnes for the 2020-21 financial year, driving up their net profit after tax to $US10.3 billion ($14 billion).