While NPROXX officials did not indicate a delivery date for the system, it said that once installed and qualified the tank will drive a BPS fuel cell that, along with a high-power modular lithium-ion battery system, will provide the mine with zero emissions for material hauling - something it added is not currently on the market.

It also said overcoming the challenges of producing pressure vessels and siting the tanks within the vehicle's frame, it was able to design and deliver a unique pipework and refueling system capable of supporting multiple tanks on the vessel at pressures of up to 350 bar.

Following the trial of the hydrogen-powered truck at Mogalakwena, Anglo American has planned to deploy the technology across its global mines.

"Anglo American has set out ambitious carbon-related targets, including publicly committing to carbon neutrality across its global operations by 2040," NPROXX said of the miner's mission.

"Given that large trucks currently account for over 70% of diesel consumption on-site, switching from diesel to hydrogen will help move the company closer to its goal of operating carbon neutral mines."

In the case of Anglo, marketing and sales director Johnannes Lorenz said the move from diesel to hydrogen power is ideal.

"Hydrogen-powered drivetrains are capable of generating the power which these vehicles need. Doing this will help to reduce Anglo American's use of fossil fuels for these activities. We believe that this project will provide a successful template for Anglo American to roll out hydrogen-powered solutions into other large vehicles at other sites around the world," he added.

Delivery of the power plant module to South Africa has been delayed because of COVID-, but NPROXX expects the vehicle will be operational in the second half of this year.