Vale, in collaboration with Komatsu and Cummins, has announced the development of Dual Fuel haul trucks, utilizing a mix of ethanol and diesel. This pioneering initiative aims to reduce direct CO2 emissions by up to 70% compared to diesel engines. 

The agreement marks the launch of the Dual Fuel Program, which seeks to convert the existing diesel engines of large trucks to a mixture of ethanol and diesel, promoting a more sustainable alternative. The trucks, with capacities between 230 and 290 tons, will be the first in the world to operate with ethanol, reinforcing the companies' commitment to sustainability in mining. 

Impact on Decarbonization Goals 

This collaboration is crucial for Vale to achieve its environmental targets, which include a 33% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and complete neutrality by 2050. The conversion of engines to use ethanol, a fuel widely used in Brazil, represents a significant step in reducing CO2 emissions in mining operations. 

"Removing diesel from our operations is crucial for our decarbonization goals," stated José Baltazar, Vale's Director of Engineering for Mine and Plant Operations. Benjamin Stear, Komatsu's Director of Engineering, Design, and Technology, added that this partnership will be essential in meeting collective carbon reduction objectives. 

Implementation and Testing 

Over the next two years, the project will involve the development, testing, and implementation of the new engines, which will be manufactured by Cummins. Luke Mosier, Cummins' Mining Product Planning and Strategy Manager, emphasized the importance of the partnership with Vale and Komatsu, highlighting its contribution to innovation and carbon footprint reduction. 

Competitive Advantage 

The choice of ethanol is justified by its widespread adoption in Brazil and the established supply network. Ludmila Nascimento, Vale's Director of Energy and Decarbonization, noted that the partnership will not only reduce emissions but also strengthen the biofuel industry in Brazil. 

About Vale  
 
Vale is a global mining company that exists to improve lives and transform the future together. One of the world's largest producers of iron ore and nickel and a major copper producer, Vale is headquartered in Brazil and operates around the world. Its operations comprise integrated logistics systems, including approximately 2,000 kilometres of railways, marine terminals and 10 ports distributed around the globe. Vale has the ambition to be recognized by society as a benchmark in safety, the best-in-class reliable operator, a talent-driven organization, a leader in sustainable mining, and a benchmark in creating and sharing value.  
 
About Komatsu  
 
Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial and forestry markets. For more than a century, the company has been creating value for its customers through manufacturing and technology innovation, partnering with others to empower a sustainable future where people, business and the planet thrive together. Front-line industries worldwide use Komatsu solutions to develop modern infrastructure, extract fundamental minerals, manage forests and create consumer products. The company's global service and distributor networks support customer operations to help enhance safety and promote productivity while working to optimize performance. Learn more at www.komatsu.com.  
 
About Cummins  
 
Cummins Inc., a global power solutions leader, is comprised of five business segments – Components, Engine, Distribution, Power Systems and Accelera by Cummins – supported by our global manufacturing and extensive service and support network, skilled workforce and vast technological expertise. Cummins is committed to its Destination Zero strategy – the company’s commitment to sustainability and helping its customers successfully navigate the energy transition with its broad portfolio of products. Cummins has approximately 75,500 employees and earned about $735 million on sales of $34.1 billion in 2023. See how Cummins is powering a more prosperous world at https://www.cummins.com/.