(The CBC posted the following article on its website on January 6.)
SUDBURY, Ontario — Researchers in Northern Ontario are testing whether fuel cells can replace diesel engines in mining equipment.
Diesel power is commonly used in mines, but the harmful exhaust is expensive to ventilate underground.
The scientists aim to save mining companies money and improve the environment underground at the same time by using fuel cells.
Fuel cell engines are silent, producing electricity, heat, oxygen and pure water.
In Oct. 2002, the group successfully tested a fuel cell-powered locomotive 4,000 metres underground at Placer Dome’s Campbell Mine in Red Lake, Ont.
During the week-long trial, the locomotive hauled ore for 30 hours, marking the first time a mining vehicle using fuel cell technology worked in a producing mine, according to Marilyn Hames, VP research and technology at Placer Dome.
“The trial was a huge success and it exceeded even our own expectations,” said Hames. “We demonstrated that the equipment is safe and that it can eliminate the harmful emissions that pose a threat to the health and safety of underground workers.”
As well, researchers at Laurentian University and Cambrian College in Sudbury teamed up to develop the first remote-controlled scooptram powered by a fuel cell.
Since fuel cells are so heavy, the technology could be used in mining equipment before we see it in cars, according to Prof. Greg Baiden, director of Laurentian’s school of engineering.