BelAZ, Rostec aim to produce hydrogen-powered, unmanned haul trucks

BelAZ continues to develop at a rapid pace. The recognized global leader in the manufacturing of haul trucks is consistently implementing future-forward innovations. Digital technologies and clean energy - two promising areas - are confidently applied by BelAZ in the production of tomorrow’s haul trucks.

The focus is on the near-term future: unmanned and hydrogen-powered giants. These directions in equipment development have been formalized in an agreement between BelAZ and Russia’s Rostec State Corporation to establish a joint venture.

The first projects are expected to be a 220-tonne autonomous haul truck and a hydrogen-powered haul truck of the same load capacity. Specialists are already listing the advantages of these machines, ranging from 24/7 operation to reduced reliance on expensive skilled personnel. Additionally, hydrogen energy allows for significant reductions in fuel costs. An obvious benefit is the positive impact on the environment.

BelAZ unveiled its first autonomous haul truck nearly ten years ago. Today, unmanned vehicles are essential in mines with extremely challenging terrain, as well as in deposits located in hard-to-reach areas. “This includes the Far North, as well as southern regions that are arid and have quite high temperatures,” BelAZ Director General Sergei Lesin explained.

The autonomous and hydrogen-powered haul trucks will be two flagship projects. Under the agreements, a new joint venture called Roblex will be responsible for introducing these innovations to the Russian market. Preliminary cooperation agreements have already been signed with key mining companies in the Union State market. Next up are pilot projects for trial operation.