Mining’s old guard needs strong medicine
A new report details subpar investor returns in the mining industry over the last decade, particularly big cap diversified companies which have not adapted to new realities.
Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP; TSX: BLDP), the company with the technology adopted by Anglo American Platinum at the Khomanani mine in South Africa, launched a high-performance, zero-emission, proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack to provide propulsion for a range of light- medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in a volumetric high-power density of 4.3 kilowatts per litre.
In a press release, the company said that this product – named FCgen-HPS – is well suited for mining applications, as it allows for high operating temperatures of up to 95 degrees Celsius, and it also has rugged cold-weather capabilities of -28 degrees Celsius freeze start with a fast power ramp.
The FCgen-HPS product was developed in Ballard’s Technology Solutions program with Audi AG
Since FCgen-HPS was developed in Ballard’s Technology Solutions program with Audi AG, the release states that a non-binding memorandum of understanding has been signed with Audi to expand Ballard’s right to use the FCgen-HPS in all applications, including commercial trucks and passenger cars.
“While governments across the planet are increasingly declaring green hydrogen to play a major role in the path towards net zero carbon, there is also a growing recognition that zero-emission fuel cell systems are well suited to decarbonize a range of motive applications that have historically been difficult to abate,” Randy MacEwen, Ballard CEO, said in the media brief.
“This is true for buses, commercial trucks, trains, and marine vessels where there is a requirement for heavy payload, extended range and rapid refuelling. These use cases typically feature return-to-base depot refuelling, which reduces the challenge of scaling hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. The FCgen-HPS adds an important high-power density fuel cell stack to Ballard’s current product line-up, supporting our efforts to penetrate these large addressable markets.”
