Green Economy Journal Issue 56

MINING
MINING
Mining is how the world
obtains the materials
needed for the clean
energy transition.
First Mode, a global carbon reduction company focused on heavy
industry, and Anglo American signed a binding agreement to combine
their nuGen zero emission haulage solution to accelerate the
transition of mining and other heavy industries to diesel-free futures.
The transaction, which is expected to close in January 2023, values the
newly-combined business in the order of US$1.5-billion and includes a
$200-million equity injection from Anglo American.
Upon closing of the transaction, First Mode will enter into a global
supply agreement to supply several nuGen systems to Anglo
American which includes the retrofit of about 400 ultra-class haul trucks
with First Mode’s proprietary hybrid fuel cell battery powerplant and
related infrastructure. The roll-out of nuGen across Anglo American’s
haul truck fleet over the next 15 years is subject to certain conditions
and required approvals.
Previously announced in June 2022, the transaction is a unique
combination of creative engineering excellence and mining expertise
which brings together the existing First Mode business with Anglo
American’s nuGen related intellectual property, management and
operational teams. First Mode is now well-positioned to commercialise
the nuGen haulage solution which intelligently incorporates new
technology into mine site operations and consists of a powerplant
with appropriate hybridisation of hydrogen-powered fuel cells and
battery (depending on customer and site requirements), refuelling
and recharging technology, clean energy production and storage,
modification of diesel electric vehicles, digital integration with mine
site systems as well as ongoing services.
“The First Mode mission is much bigger than a single haul truck,”
says First Mode CEO, Julian Soles. “Mining is how the world obtains the
materials needed for the clean energy transition, and it is where the
carbon footprint starts. This is where the First Mode solution begins;
starting at the source, in mining, to replace diesel and accelerate the
clean energy transition.”
The world’s first proof-of-concept ultra-class haul truck recently
reached a significant milestone when it completed initial commissioning
and was introduced into the mine’s commercial fleet operations,
including pit and crusher activities.
34
35