Brazilian steel group Gerdau has started using what it says is the first gas-powered mining truck in the history of Brazil. The Scania truck will work in the operations of the steel producer at the Varzea do Lopes iron ore mine, located in Itabirito, Minas Gerais, and operated by contractor Fagundes Construcao e Mineracao SA, with the support of Scania WLM Itaipu.

The first gas-powered truck in Brazil is a Scania G 410 6×4 model. Fagundes drivers will undergo specific training to operate the equipment, which will transport iron ore and waste. Gerdau says it has been working, in partnership with its supply chain, to build a more sustainable future, based on the development of innovative products and solutions.

“For about 120 years, we have been working to connect people who build a more collaborative and sustainable future. The partnership with Scania, with the natural gas truck solution, is an example of a relevant action. In addition to economic and environmental issues, we value the structuring of a local production and supply chain, which results in sustainable social and economic development,” explains Vinicius Fernandes de Moura, General Manager of Supplies at Gerdau. The company says 100% dependence on diesel is no longer sound environmentally. For Scania, in Brazil the viable path is ‘Aqui e Agora’ or ‘Here and Now’ due to the potential to reduce consumption and CO2 emissions compared to diesel, using natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG) and/or biomethane.

“Scania has been leading the transition to a more sustainable transport system. The gas truck has been a success on the road. Now, let’s innovate the off-road market again. An action that is also unprecedented globally for the brand. Therefore, Gerdau is the first gas-powered truck in the history of mining in Brazil, and in the world for Scania. We are sure that the results will surprise and create a trend” says Silvio Munhoz, Scania Solutions Sales Director in Brazil. “In the area of ​​sustainability, it is important to take the first step and make commitments to reduce emissions. Congratulations to Gerdau for believing that it is possible to make the logistics operation in mining more sustainable” he adds. The gas truck started sales in October 2019. From May 2020, deliveries began. Since then, Scania has sold more than 60 units to different industries, from cosmetics to food. The G 410 6×4 in this case uses a 16 cubic metre capacity truck body for mine haulage.

The supply of vehicular natural gas (CNG), which is the responsibility of Logas, will be within the operation itself in the form of a compact station that is being built by the steel producer in accordance with legal and safety standards for the storage, consumption and use of gas. The duration of the filling time is short, about 15 minutes, which does not compromise the availability of the truck in daily work, which is intense, since it will run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The expectation is that there will be a consumption of 10 cubic metres/hour, which in this operation means a range of between 250 and 300 km.

“We will follow every detail of this pioneering action with the full support of Scania WLM Itaipu. We want to offer important gains for the environment and the lowest operational cost to the customer. The model will use the Scania Premium Flexible Maintenance Program, the most complete of the brand in the country and adapted to the characteristics of the mining operation, which are different from the road modal. Gerdau and Fagundes will also monitor performance based on data obtained through connectivity, and apply improvements where necessary” explains Fabricio Vieira, Scania Mining Solutions Sales Manager in Brazil.

The Scania heavy trucks powered by CNG, LNG and/or biomethane have Otto cycle engines (the same concept as in cars) and are 100% powered by any mixture of fuels. “They are not converted from diesel to gas, have a factory guarantee, reliable and safe technology, are quieter and with consistent performance and strength similar to the diesel truck. Security is complete in the event of an accident or explosion.” The robust cylinders use the same steel grades used in missiles and the valves are certified by Inmetro in accordance with national laws. There are three valves (flow, pressure and temperature) that release the gas in case of anomaly in one of these three parameters.