MINING TRUCKS
Dan Funcannon , Komatsu SVP Surface Haulage talking with IM Editorial Director Paul Moore at The Electric Mine 2024
dedicated area until miners are comfortable with the new technology and the associated processes . Once they are ready , there will be a plan for integration into the main fleet to prove out fleet interoperability .”
He adds : “ Komatsu sees dynamic charging as
a key to maintaining productivity in mining . Being able to charge dynamically will allow haul trucks to continuously operate to maintain productivity compared with the current diesel fleet . We are working with industry leading partners to enhance the product available today , while also looking to the future for more flexibility , lower cost and enhanced productivity options .”
In addition he had some interesting comments during the event itself in a special video interview on-site : “ Many of our customers have realised some of the stark realities of what it is going to mean for their operations so I would say there is a little bit of a pullback on going zero right away ... what are some interim , what are some bridge solutions that we can provide and that we can look at to start making significant progress towards decarbonisation while still keeping that endgame in mind .” He adds Komatsu has seen a lot of interest or renewed interest in trolley – while it has had a trolley offering for many decades , the reasons and drivers today are different – getting to decarb targets quicker .
And Funcannon emphasised that the Power Agnostic platform is designed to be able to evolve and adapt . “ We will be doing this for a long time ... we are developing the Power Agnostic platform and we will introduce that into the market very soon . My view is that we will be continuing to evolve that platform because the technology is going to continue to evolve as well ... the first version is a diesel version , it will offer diesel-trolley . Then we will offer a battery solution and various forms of dynamic and static charging . But ... that battery technology is changing rapidly which will drive I would say a multi-generational product development where we continue to evolve the product based on what the energy platform is going to be .”
And hydrogen is still in the mix for Komatsu . Late last year , General Motors and Komatsu announced that they will co-develop a hydrogen fuel cell power module for Komatsu ’ s 930E electric drive mining truck , cited as the world ’ s best-selling ultra-class haul truck .
The statement said : “ Lightweight and quick to refuel , hydrogen fuel cells are ideal for electrifying applications traditionally powered by diesel engines . Hydrogen provides an effective method to package large quantities of energy onboard the vehicle , without compromising payload carrying capacity . Additionally , fuel cells provide an excellent zero tailpipe emissions solution for vehicles with extreme hauling requirements , like the Komatsu 930E mining truck , with its nominal payload of 320 tons . These vehicles typically operate at a single mine throughout their life , which simplifies the challenges of sizing and deploying an effective hydrogen refueling infrastructure to service the vehicle fleet .”
“ At GM , we believe fuel cells can play an integral role in a zero-emissions future , helping to electrify heavier-duty applications , beyond passenger vehicles ,” said Charlie Freese , Executive Director of GM ’ s Global HYDROTEC business . “ Mining trucks are among the largest , most capable vehicles used in any industry , and we believe hydrogen fuel cells are best suited to deliver zero emissions propulsion to these demanding applications .”
The new fuel cell-powered 930E will be powered by over 2 MW of GM HYDROTEC power cubes . Komatsu ’ s fuel cell-powered mining trucks it says will provide an additional pathway for decarbonisation beyond battery-trolley or battery-static charging solutions , without the need for additional charging infrastructure within mines .
Komatsu has set a target of reducing its global emissions by 50 % by 2030 and a challenge target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 . The plans for achieving these goals include reducing and eliminating emissions within the company ’ s product offerings , as well as in the company ’ s facilities and production of its products . Komatsu also works closely with its customers on reducing and eliminating emissions during product use through optimisation programs supported by Komatsu technology and service solutions . GM ’ s target is to be fully carbon neutral in both products and operations by 2040 .
“ Finding new ways to power the equipment our customers need to do the vital work of mining and construction is a critical part of our commitment to supporting a more sustainable future ,” said Funcannon . “ This is essential work that requires cross-industry collaboration , and we are excited to be working with GM on this important solution for a haulage offering without tailpipe emissions .”
GM and Komatsu intend to test the first prototype HYDROTEC-powered mining vehicle in the mid-2020s at Komatsu ’ s Arizona Proving Grounds ( AZPG ) research and development facility . This vehicle will be powered by over 2 MW of HYDROTEC power cubes . When asked whether the fuel cell module will be factory fitted as well as being available as a retrofit option , Funcannon stated : “ We are developing what we ’ ve called a Power Agnostic platform … our intention is to provide the platform to be able to adapt to numerous power technologies , including hydrogen fuel cell . And our intent is to work with our customers to determine if retrofit of earlier models is technically and commercially feasible .”
Komatsu also told IM that the truck will use both the hydrogen fuel cells as well as battery power – so it will be a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle ( FCEV ). The fuel cells represent the primary power source with the battery used for load balancing as well as capturing energy during retarding , similar to an automotive EV .
GM has been conducting fuel cell research and product development for more than 50 years and says it is one of the only companies with advanced , homegrown technology platforms for both lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells . GM and Komatsu believe these complimentary technologies can help spur the adoption of lower-emission mobility solutions and help other industries beyond passenger vehicles meet their sustainability goals . Funcannon additionally told IM on why GM was chosen : “ They have decades of experience in the research and development of fuel cell technology , and we believe they ’ re best suited to help us , help our customers meet their sustainability goals .”
44 International Mining | JULY 2024