Hydro Paragominas invests in electric trucks for bauxite transportation as part of 2030 decarbonisation goal

Hydro Paragominas in Para, a bauxite mining company, has reportedly partnered with Irmen Máquinas to acquire two 100 per cent electric SANY SKT90E trucks, each with a bauxite loading capacity of 60 tonnes. Hydro is increasing its electric transport fleet as part of the 2030 decarbonisation strategy.

Edil Pimentel, Mine Operation Manager at Hydro Paragominas, explains that each of these electric trucks will reduce about 190 tonnes of carbon emissions per year with a higher capacity than 8×4 model with a capacity of only 36 tonnes.

Hydro has also included battery electric trucks in its transport fleet to contribute to its decarbonisation by 2030. Another significant measure Hydro has taken for decarbonisation is replacing 50 per cent of its diesel combustion fleet with ethanol combustion vehicles.

 “The acquisition of electric cars means a reduction of 120 tons of CO2 per year, representing 332 trees planted in the same period. By changing the fuel, we also reduce 575 tons of CO2 in the environment. And we continue researching new alternatives in the market to reduce the use of diesel in operations,” comments Eduardo Pedras, Infrastructure Manager at Hydro Paragominas.

Another step taken by Hydro is introducing buses equipped with 100 per cent electric air conditioning system for transporting employees to and from the city and within the mine. The system will operate on a trial basis with the expectation of expanding to 100 per cent of the fleet serving the mine.

“Our expectation is to reduce the cost of maintenance of the devices, reduce the vehicle downtime for maintenance, achieve lower fuel consumption and contribute to mitigating CO2 emissions,” says Thiago Caliman, Director of the transport company.

“Users will notice less noise and more thermal comfort. For companies, optimisation of time and maintenance costs, in addition to greater vehicle availability. Hydro Paragominas is always looking for technologies that improve safety, well-being, and productivity within the mine and fortunately, our suppliers and partners have bought into the idea of sustainability and are investing to be more competitive in the market, we are happy to encourage these practices,” concludes Pedras.