President Ramaphosa Launches nuGen Zero Emission Mining Truck

Mogalakwena- President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa has described a historic official launch of the world’s largest nuGen truck, a monster weighing in at 220 tonnes, as a gigantic leap for South Africa’s hydrogen future economy.

He was officiating the proceedings at Anglo Platinum Mine outside Mokopane in the Mogalakwena Local Municipality on Friday, 06 May 2022.

“The launch of a nuGen truck was a remarkable milestone in the country’s journey towards the mining industry and economy that is more sustainable, innovative and resourceful. Mining continues to be a vital pillar of the economy by creating value and fuelling productive activities far beyond mining areas. ”Ramaphosa said
Ramaphosa said a nuGen truck is fashioned from a diesel-Powered world truck, assembled and fitted with a hydrogen and battery-powered engine at the Mogalakwena’s Anglo Platinum Mine premises over a period of three years. A hydrogen manufacturing facility and a recharge pump have also been built in the premises and it will be retrofitting powered engines on all the trucks across the globe over a period of five years.

Anglo Platinum Mine projects is the creation of a hydrogen valley, which stretches from Limpopo to Gauteng and Kwazulu-Natal, will contribute to over R50 billion to the country’s Growth Domestic Products (GDP) in the next twenty years. President Ramaphosa also reiterated that further Plans to rely on the hydrogen power are also in the pipelines.

Ramaphosa is confident that the success of the nuGen makes South Africa a world leader in terms of pursuing green solutions that will grow the economy.
“The proposed hydrogen valley stretching from here in Limpopo, right through to Gauteng and to Kwazulu-Natal will position South Africa as a global centre for green hydrogen production. We are serious about this, and we don’t seek to undermine other nations in terms of what they are doing. Our objective is to be the real hub of the green hydrogen productions and that is our intended destination which would lead to new industries.” Ramaphosa said

He further said that the beneficiation of platinum group metals to produce clean energy will support the just energy transition by reducing emissions and the dependence on fossil fuels.

“It is testament to the visionary nature of the leadership of Anglo American that a mining house for which fossil fuels have been an integral part of their business, is now leading the way in the use of clean energy in its operations.”
Anglo American said it aims to be carbon neutral by 2040.

On the other hand, Limpopo Province Premier Stanley Chupu Mathabatha believes that the innovation would assist the province economy recover from the effects of Covid-19 pandemic.

“This kind of deliverables are well considered and relevant plans to troubleshoot the detrimental effects caused by the covid-19 pandemic to our economy and livelihoods.” said Mathabatha

Various experts from around the world were involved in the project, with Anglo American stating that skills transfer to locals in Limpopo were prioritised.