Teck pilots use of LNG fuel for haul trucks

Teck Resources Ltd has announced that it is piloting the use of LNG as fuel in six haul trucks at its Fording River steelmaking coal operation in southeast British Columbia (B.C.), Canada. This signifies the first use of LNG at a Canadian mine site as haul truck fuel.

By using blended LNG/diesel fuelled haul trucks, Teck can potentially eliminate approximately 35 000 tpy of CO₂ emissions from its steelmaking coal operators. This comes as part of Teck’s long-term goal to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 450 000 t at its operations by 2030. In addition to this, Teck can potentially also reduce its fuel costs by more than CAN$20 million per year.

FortisBC, who is also financially contributing to the pilot, is supplying LNG to the mine site.

Don Lindsay, the President and CEO of Teck, said: “LNG is a fuel source that has the potential to lower costs, significantly reduce emissions and improve environmental performance at our operations.

"We are committed to minimising our own carbon footprint while at the same time continuing to provide the mining products that are essential to building a modern, low-carbon society."

Christy Clark, the Premier of B.C., added: “Like British Columbia, Teck is a global leader in finding innovative ways to reduce GHG emissions while continuing to create opportunity.

"It's a concrete example of the difference clean-burning LNG can make in the fight against climate change."

With help form FortisBC, Teck has upgraded the Fording River Operations truck maintenance shop, provided engine conversion kits, installed fuelling facilities and introduced a safety programme in advance of the pilot.

Michael Mulcahy, the President and CEO of FortisBC, said: “Teck is demonstrating leadership by adopting natural gas as a cleaner and more cost-effective fuel solution for their operations.

“LNG, as a vehicle fuel source, provides both an economic and environmental benefit to industry in our province. Today's announcement further builds on the diversity of the more than 400 natural gas-fuelled vehicles in British Columbia."

The pilot will run until mid 2016, and will provide more information surrounding the potential of LNG as fuel in Teck’s haul truck fleet. This will encourage further LNG conversions in the future.

Edited from press release by David Rowlands

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/09122015/teck-pilots-use-of-lng-fuel-for-haul-trucks-1748/