Fortescue has appointed New Zealand-based Fabrum to design and commission Australia’s largest liquid hydrogen plant at a mine site.
The facility, unveiled recently at Christmas Creek in Western Australia, marks a significant milestone in the mining industry’s transition to zero-emission operations.
The plant comprises a hydrogen liquefaction facility, liquid hydrogen storage, and a refuelling station.
With a daily production capacity of approximately 350 kilograms of liquid hydrogen and storage for about 600 kilograms, the plant is set to power Fortescue’s fleet of zero-emissions mining equipment prototypes.
Dino Otranto, Fortescue Metals Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the company’s rapid progress in decarbonisation.
Otranto noted the versatility of the plant, which will produce both gaseous and liquid hydrogen to power mining equipment prototypes and refuel the company’s fleet of coaches at Christmas Creek.
Christopher Boyle, Fabrum‘s Executive Chair, emphasised the company’s role in developing world-leading hydrogen technologies.
He stated: “Together, we’re demonstrating the future is here now — and that our liquid hydrogen production and refuelling technologies can enable industry to power operations and transport today.”
The project not only showcases Fabrum’s expertise in zero-emission transition technologies but also positions Fortescue at the forefront of sustainable mining practices.
As the global demand for green hydrogen solutions continues to grow, this partnership sets a new standard for the industry’s approach to decarbonisation.