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Teck piloting LNG as a fuel source for haul trucks at its Fording River mine

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World Coal,


In line with Teck Resources Ltd’s target to reduce its annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 450 000 t at its operations by 2030, the company is piloting the first use of LNG as a fuel source in six haul trucks at its Fording River coal mine, which produces metallurgical coal, in south-eastern British Columbia, Canada.

This will be the first use of LNG as a haul truck fuel at a Canadian mine site.

The pilot is expected to run until mid-2016 and will provide more information about the possibility of using LNG more broadly across Teck's haul truck fleet, creating the opportunity for further fleet conversions to LNG in the future.

The use of blended LNG and diesel fuelled haul trucks has the potential for significant environmental benefits and cost savings due to LNG producing very small amounts of sulphur dioxide emissions and reduces GHG emissions by up to 20% in comparison to diesel alone.

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

The project has the potential to cut approximately 35 000 tpa of CO2 emissions at Fording River coal operations and potentially reduce fuel costs by more than CAN$20 million annually through implementing the LNG and diesel hybrid fuel across the operations.

"Like British Columbia, Teck is a global leader in finding innovative ways to reduce GHG emissions while continuing to create opportunity," said Premier, Christy Clark. "It's a concrete example of the difference clean-burning LNG can make in the fight against climate change."

FortisBC is transporting and supplying LNG to the mine site and is making a financial contribution towards the pilot.

Teck, with support from FortisBC, has upgraded the Fording River operations truck maintenance shop, provided engine conversion kits, installed fuelling facilities and implemented a comprehensive safety programme in advance of the pilot.

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

Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/mining/10122015/teck-piloting-lng-as-a-fuel-source-for-haul-trucks-3265/

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