EDITORIAL HYDROGEN IN MINING
Mining’ s hydrogen trailblazers
Miners are uniquely positioned to adopt hydrogen due to their operational advantages:
• Mines are well-positioned for hydrogen production due to access to renewable energy and land.
• Hydrogen-powered mining haul trucks offer advantages, including centralised refuelling and faster refuelling times.
• Decarbonising mining with green hydrogen can significantly reduce emissions and ensure African minerals remain competitive.
Anglo American – South Africa
• Developed the world’ s largest hydrogen-powered haul truck at the Mogalakwena mine.
• Achieved an 80 % reduction in diesel emissions with on-site hydrogen production powered by a 140-megawatt solar plant.
Fortescue Metals Group – Australia
• Launched the $ 50 million Green Metal Project to produce 1 500 tonnes of green iron annually by 2025.
• Established a hydrogen refuelling station producing 530 kilograms daily to power 10 hydrogen-fuelled coaches.
• Faced delays in meeting its 2030 target for producing 15 million tonnes of hydrogen due to rising energy prices and geopolitical instability.
Challenges: navigating the hydrogen frontier
While the potential is enormous, miners face significant challenges:
• Achieving Africa’ s green hydrogen ambitions requires significant investment, estimated at $ 450-900 billion by 2050. Approximately 70 % of this investment would fund renewable energy and electrolyser capacity building, with foreign direct investment playing a crucial role.
• Reliable renewable energy infrastructure, electrolyser facilities, and hydrogen distribution networks, including pipelines and ports, are critical for scaling hydrogen in mining.
• While hydrogen is expected to reach cost parity with fossil fuels by 2030, miners must navigate current economic uncertainties.
The way forward
To harness the full potential of hydrogen, miners must take a proactive approach:
• Analyse the costs and benefits of hydrogen projects to justify investments.
• Collaborate with partners in infrastructure, energy, and capital to create a supportive ecosystem.
• Explore opportunities for hydrogen exportation, oxygen sales( a by-product of hydrogen production), and domestic clean energy supply.
• Position operations to benefit from the emerging hydrogen economy by aligning with global decarbonisation efforts.
Unlocking Africa’ s hydrogen potential Africa holds immense promise for renewable hydrogen production. However, many regions lack reliable power supply, making renewable energy development crucial. With a strong infrastructure base, Africa could meet domestic clean energy needs and become a major green hydrogen exporter. Southern Africa is poised to supply green hydrogen to Europe, Japan, and South Korea. Strategic planning, collaboration, and investment in infrastructure and renewable energy are critical to unlocking hydrogen’ s economic and environmental benefits. ■
REFERENCES:
• Anglo American Hydrogen Initiatives Mining. com: Details on Anglo American’ s hydrogen-powered haul truck at the Mogalakwena Platinum mine.
• Fortescue Metals Group’ s Green Metal Project CarbonCredits. com: Fortescue’ s Green Metal Project in Australia, its hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, and production targets.
• FuelCellsWorks. com: Updates on Fortescue’ s project delays due to geopolitical and energy price challenges.
• Global Hydrogen Demand and African Potential AGHA-Green Hydrogen Potential Report: Data on Africa ' s renewable hydrogen potential, including economic impacts, export capabilities, and investment requirements.
• Hydrogen Pricing and Projections Hydrogen Valley Feasibility Study( South Africa): Cost competitiveness of South Africa’ s hydrogen production compared to global averages.
• Economic Impact in South Africa Ministry of Science and Innovation, South Africa: GDP contributions and job creation projections for South Africa ' s hydrogen economy.
• Energy Cost Contribution Singular Research and Analysis: Insights into the role of energy costs in hydrogen production and Africa ' s comparative advantage.
• European Green Hydrogen Demand European Green Deal Hydrogen Strategy: Export markets, particularly Europe and Asia, for African hydrogen.
• Global Investment Requirements International Renewable Energy Agency( IRENA): Investment estimates for renewable hydrogen production in Africa by 2050.
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