Case study: Embracing transitional technology

Thiess is working to reduce diesel usage to reach the Group's goal of net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions and Scope 3 emissions from fleet we operate by 2050^. Part of this journey includes utilising transitional technology while more advanced technology, which will significantly reduce diesel emissions from heavy mining vehicles, is developed and commercialised.

Hydrogen trickle-feed is a transitional technology where small amounts of hydrogen generated on board mining fleet is captured and ‘trickle fed’ into the engine to improve combustion and reduce diesel usage and associated emissions.

In 2022, Thiess started a trial of this technology at our Prominent Hill operation with units fitted to 40% of the haul fleet.

Subject to trial outcomes, this technology may provide a flexible solution that Thiess will investigate for retrofitting to a range of equipment types. In 2023, we plan to introduce the technology to autonomous drills at one of our New South Wales sites in Australia, and to trucks at our operations in North and South America.

Thiess also continued our partnership with Mine Energy Solutions (MES) that was announced in 2021, with the aim of being the first to bring dual-fuel retrofit technology to our fleet. In 2022, we started a project to convert six trucks to a dual-fuel energy supply of gas and diesel, which is planned to be completed in 2023. The technology is expected to result in a reduction in tailpipe emissions of up to 23%.

^Includes Scope 1, 2 and Scope 3 emissions from diesel combustion in the fleet we operate.