Optimizing Heavy-Duty Mining Operations with LNG Powertrains: Boosting Efficiency and Minimizing Environmental Impact

Heavy-duty mining is a demanding sector within the trucking industry. Mining companies are assigned coal mine sites, and fleet operators are tasked with efficiently extracting ore within the allotted timeframe. To accomplish this, companies deploy dumper trucks that operate in three shifts daily to transport payloads from the site. As a result, uptime is critical, requiring trucks with exceptionally robust powertrains. The profitability of mining operations depends on the efficient use of these dumper trucks. Fuel consumption in these mines represents a significant portion of total expenses. Using LNG as a fuel can help reduce operational fuel costs, thereby increasing customer profitability. Additionally, employing LNG has the potential to lower the CO2 footprint of mining operations. This paper details the development of a data-driven duty cycle for mining vehicles and the simulation methodology used to accurately size LNG powertrain components, focusing on maintaining uptime and productivity.