Nornickel and BELAZ view hydrogen technologies as one of the promising areas for the development of next-generation mining equipment. The companies are exploring the possibility of developing machinery powered by alternative energy sources, including hydrogen and battery-electric solutions.
One of the technological solutions under consideration involves
hydrogen production directly on board mining equipment. The companies are exploring the use of palladium in catalysts for an onboard hydrogen production unit. In the future, hydrogen produced in this way could be used as an energy source for underground mining machinery.
The development of hydrogen technologies is part of the broader cooperation between Nornickel and BELAZ aimed at creating a new generation of mining equipment. The companies have agreed to combine their scientific and technological expertise and establish a joint venture for the production, refurbishment and maintenance of underground mining machinery. Their partnership in the development and serial production of underground equipment has been ongoing since 2022.
Alongside hydrogen technologies, the companies are also developing battery-electric mining equipment. Pilot industrial testing of battery-powered mining dump trucks is scheduled to begin in 2027.
As Nornickel President Vladimir Potanin noted,
“the future of mining lies in innovation and new technologies.” The cooperation is aimed at developing a new generation of efficient and safe mining equipment.
Hydrogen solutions are therefore being considered by Nornickel and BELAZ as one of the promising areas for the technological development of underground mining transport, including the possibility of producing hydrogen fuel directly on board the machinery.
Source: TASS