Vale received two battery-powered 72-ton off-highway trucks, which will undergo tests in the mines of Água Limpa, in Minas Gerais, and Sorowako, in Indonesia. The first to be used by a global mining company, the vehicles do not emit CO2, as they replace diesel with electricity from renewable sources, and also reduce noise, minimizing the impacts on the communities that live around the operations. The equipment, which was produced by XCMG Mining Machinery Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group Co. Ltd. (XCMG), the largest machine manufacturer in China, represent another step in the electrification of Vale's assets, which, in 2019, announced the goal of zeroing its direct and indirect net emissions (scopes 1 and 2) by 2050. For this, it estimates investing between US$ 4 billion and US$ 6 billion.



 

The 72-ton electric off-highway trucks, model XDR80TE, are part of the PowerShift program. Its lithium batteries have a storage capacity of 525 Kwh, being able to operate up to 36 cycles, just over a day of operation, without the need to stop to recharge and with the possibility of energy regeneration during descents, reduction of mechanical brake use, maintenance and vibration, in addition to providing more operational comfort to the driver. The equipment has multiple temperature control technology, which allows it to adapt to high temperatures, humidity and periods of intense rain.

The 72-ton electric off-highway trucks are part of the PowerShift program. Its batteries are capable of storing 525 Kwh, which can provide the function of reverse energy regeneration (the electric motor is capable of generating the electrical energy during the braking process). This can improve the operating capability of the equipment, which increases battery power sustainability from 6 hours to 10 hours or even longer.

"We see this partnership with XCMG as another important step in our long-term relationship with China, and towards more sustainable mining. Our intention is to expand, together with global partners, the development and co-creation of technologies that respect the environment and zero emissions." Highlights Alexandre Pereira, Executive Vice President of Global Business Solutions at Vale.

"The delivery of the latest XDR80TE electric mining truck at this time is the result of a joint effort between XCMG and Vale to promote global environmental protection as well as green and sustainable economic development. " Said Hanson Liu, Vice President of XCMG Machinery and General Manager of XCMG Import & Export Co.

Currently, emissions from diesel off-highway trucks represent around 9% of Vale's total scope 1 and 2 emissions.


 

Reduction of emissions

Powershift was created by Vale with the aim of replacing fossil fuels with clean sources in its operations. The program is advancing innovative solutions to electrify the company's mines and railroads. In addition to the 100% electric truck, Vale’s strategy for electrifying assets also includes the operation of battery-powered locomotives in the yards of the ports of Tubarão, in Vitória, and Ponta da Madeira, in São Luís. In Canada, Powershift has also carried out tests with electrical equipment in underground mines in Canada – there are currently around 40 in operation.

Vale's operational equipment electrification strategy also includes a partnership with its peers BHP and Rio Tinto. Last year, the three companies, along with 17 other mining companies, launched the “Charge On Innovation Challenge”, a global open innovation challenge aimed at finding innovative solutions to accelerate the safe charging of batteries for future electric off-highway trucks.