A joint effort has been announced between US-based electric vehicle manufacturer Hyzon Motors, and the Japanese ITOCHU Corporation to pursue hydrogen fuel cell power opportunities for use in mining.

The pair have signed an agreement to jointly develop opportunities and strategies to deploy Hyzon’s vehicles and fuel cell technology in the mining sector.

The agreement combines ITOCHU’s mining industry business links and Hyzon’s electric vehicle manufacturing and expertise to fulfil unique opportunities and help the mining industry move towards using more sustainable technologies.

“Hyzon’s singular focus is decarbonizing heavy mobility,” said Hyzon CEO Craig Knight. “This requires alignment along all positions of the hydrogen value chain – from production to distribution to offtake.

“ITOCHU’s strong reputation and relationships within the international mining industry will provide significant access and insight to understand the industry’s decarbonization and transportation challenges, some of which we aim to address through this collaboration.”

Both Hyzon and ITOCHU believe the implementation of hydrogen fuel cell technology is particularly suitable for the mining sector, due to its high power output and potential to support long-term usage without the need for lengthy recharging cycles.

“ITOCHU has been actively seeking and developing new business models and strategies which will decarbonize essential mining and processing activities to support global economic activity,” said Jun Inomata, Chief Operating Officer of Metals and Mineral resources Division.

“Since Hyzon’s technology is available today, and their experience building hydrogen supply networks is growing daily, we believe them to be the ideal partner in pursuing this new market.”