Welders at the company weld the structural parts of the vehicle. [Photo/Baotou news network]

The hydrogen energy mining vehicle project of Inner Mongolia North Heavy Industries Group Co recently began trial production of the prototype vehicle. The independently-developed parts include the frame, carriage, and front and rear axles. The project will fill a major gap in the domestic industry.

This model of the vehicle was designed according to the industrial operation standards and will become the first 136-metric-ton hydrogen-powered mining vehicle in the world, with high economic, social and environmental benefits.

As part of carbon reduction and emission reduction efforts, in March this year, the enterprise signed a cooperation agreement with Inner Mongolia Power Investment Energy Co to jointly develop a 100-ton-level hydrogen fuel and lithium battery hybrid power mining dump truck.

The company plans to build a comprehensive application demonstration for hydrogen energy mining vehicles, hydrogen storage and transportation, and hydrogen refueling in an open-pit coal mine in Baotou.

This model uses hydrogen as the sole fuel, making zero emission a possibility. Compared with diesel-powered mining vehicles of the same tonnage, annual carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by 1,815 tons, equivalent to the emissions of 600 passenger vehicles.