GFS Corp, a global leader in alternative fuel solutions for heavy-duty diesel engines, has announced that it has entered into an agreement with Alpha Coal West, a subsidiary of Alpha Natural Resources, to convert three Caterpillar 793 (240 t) mine haul trucks to liquid natural gas (LNG) operation. The converted trucks will be operated at Alpha’s Belle Ayr Coal Mine outside Gillette, Wyoming and will be utilised in both overburden and coal haul service.

GFS will be converting the trucks onsite using a proprietary and fully integrated Bi-Fuel Solution that includes on-board LNG storage and engine controls. After conversion, the mine haul trucks will operate using 50% to 70% LNG for most operating modes. The trucks will retain the ability to operate on 100% diesel fuel if required. Under the terms of the agreement, all three LNG-powered mine haul trucks are scheduled to be operational in early 2012. “We look forward to working with Alpha Natural Resources, one of the world’s leading coal companies, to assist them in finding new ways to improve both the environment and the bottom line,” said Jason Green, President, GFS Corp, adding “Alpha Natural Resources is a company that is committed to sustainable operations and we are very pleased to have this opportunity to work alongside a proven innovator in the mining industry.”

The Gaseous Fuel System (GFS) enables operators of diesel vehicles to substantially reduce operational costs and lower emissions by substituting diesel fuel with lower cost, cleaner burning natural gas. The GFS is comprised of patented and proprietary technologies that allow diesel engines to safely operate on gas percentages ranging from 50% to 70% of the total fuel requirement. Engines converted to Gaseous Fuel operation exhibit diesel-like performance in such critical areas as power, response and efficiency. A key feature of the GFS is its ability to switch fuel modes without interruption in vehicle operation. Conversion to Gaseous Fuel operation does not require modification of the engine and can typically be completed in a matter of hours. The GFS is compatible with both compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquid natural gas (LNG) fuel storage systems.