Fortescue Metals Group’s newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Dino Otranto, is eager to propel the company’s zero-emission mining initiatives. This sentiment isn’t surprising, considering the current pressure on the mining industry to be more efficient, deliver more minerals for the energy transition and do that in a more sustainable way.

Fit for the challenge, Otranto commenced at Fortescue back in 2021 as Chief Operating Officer and has twenty years of experience in the resource industry.

When questioned by Chris Cann whether he believed hydrogen or battery power would become the driving force for heavy machinery, Otranto provided an exhaustive answer.

“Our focus is on green, zero-emission solutions… We believe battery electric, green hydrogen and green ammonia will all be critical to our decarbonisation plan. Through our partnership with Liebherr and our UK-based business WAE (Williams Advanced Engineering) Technologies, we are exploring options for both battery electric and hydrogen fuel-cell haul trucks,” Otranto said.

He went on to suggest that when factoring in renewable energy, we can expect that battery power will be more prominent in powering remote mines.

Two prototype haul trucks, one with a battery-electric and one with a hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion method, are set to be tested by Fortescue sometime this year; the company plans to launch its very first operational green haul truck at sites in 2026.

Described by Otranto as their “diversification journey”, Fortescue is pursuing green iron ore. They have also joined forces with customers seeking to decarbonise. This journey would entail taking a step back from dependence on coal for chemically purifying and heating iron ore, considering the abundance of carbon dioxide the activity produces.

Moreover, the company is progressing in green power by connecting wind and solar power to its personal power grid. It has also signed deals with Voestalpine, China Baowu Steel Group and Primetals, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi. Each of these actions will aid in their drive to decarbonise.

Though these targets are ambitious, Otranto stressed that heavy emitters must take action now, especially in light of the recent weather occurrences across the globe.

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