The dumper has become electric, powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The first model, produced by Liebherr and named T 264, has already been dubbed Europa, despite operating in an Australian mine owned by the Fortescue Metals Group. This vehicle results from a collaboration between Liebherr and Fortescue that began in June 2022, specifically aimed at developing and supplying zero-emission mining trucks. Over the following year, several battery-electric models were delivered. According to plans, the number of electric dumpers is set to increase by the end of this decade.
Dino Otranto, CEO of Fortescue Metals, commented: "Following the success of our battery-electric dumper prototype in the field, we are thrilled to see Europa operational with hydrogen. This is a huge milestone for the team and brings Fortescue one step closer to having a fleet of zero-emission trucks at our sites by the end of this decade. We are planning to transport Europa to our mining operations in the coming weeks, where it will undergo further testing and commissioning. The results of these subsequent tests will inform our future fleet of zero-emission trucks that we are developing with Liebherr."
