Chile-based copper miner Antofagasta’s transport division, Ferrocarril de Antofagasta a Bolivia (FCAB), has unveiled South America’s first hydrogen-powered locomotive.

The new locomotive, which runs on hydrogen produced using renewable energy, is set to begin operations in 2025 and forms part of Antofagasta’s broader strategy to replace fossil fuels, reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, and enhance sustainability within the mining sector.

Last year, the company also introduced the Chilean mining industry’s largest fleet of electric pick-up trucks at its Centinela mine.

In a broader context, the new hydrogen locomotive supports Antofagasta’s goal of reducing Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 30% by 2035 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

"This milestone is a major step forward in terms of innovation, which is the hallmark of Antofagasta and FCAB," said CEO Iván Arriagada.

"It will allow us to learn about this new fuel, which only emits water vapour and hot air, unlike diesel. We want to explore other possible uses of this fuel in the future, when the technology is more mature."

The 1 000-kW locomotive was developed by CRRC Qishuyan and is equipped with a high-capacity battery and a 35 MPa on-board hydrogen storage system. In addition to its clean emissions profile, the locomotive features a lightweight design that reduces its weight by about 30 t compared to other hydrogen-powered locomotives.

The launch of the hydrogen-powered locomotive has drawn praise from local authorities. Chile's Minister of Economy, Nicolás Grau, expressed his support for the initiative, highlighting the importance of new technologies for sustainable development in the mining and freight sectors.

"I would like to congratulate this decision by FCAB, which takes advantage of the opportunities offered by new technologies both for decarbonisation in the freight industry and to enhance its link with the mining industry," Grau said.

"I wish the company much success in the development of this project and hope that FCAB continues to promote this type of initiative to support more sustainable economic growth."

As part of its preparation for the hydrogen locomotive’s rollout, FCAB has secured a hydrogen supply throughout 2024 and is in the final stages of upgrading its facilities. The company is also focused on training personnel to operate and maintain the new machine.