Optimizing Heavy-Duty Mining Operations With LNG Powertrains: Enhancing Efficiency And Reducing Environmental Impact

Heavy-duty mining is a highly demanding sector within the trucking industry. Mining companies are allocated coal mine sites, and fleet operators are responsible for efficiently extracting ore within the given timeframe. To achieve this, companies deploy dumper trucks that operate in three shifts daily to transport payloads out of the site. Consequently, uptime is crucial, necessitating trucks with exceptionally robust powertrains. The profitability of mining operations hinges on the efficient utilization of these dumper trucks. Fuel consumption in these mines constitutes a significant portion of total expenses. Utilizing LNG as a fuel can help reduce operational fuel costs, thereby enhancing customer profitability. Additionally, employing LNG offers the potential to lower the CO2 footprint of mining operations. This paper outlines the creation of a data-driven duty cycle for mining vehicles and the simulation methodology used to accurately size LNG powertrain components, with a focus on maintaining uptime and productivity.