Abstract
Switching to alternative fuels such as biodiesel and renewable diesel is being considered by many mine operators and heavy industries as a “drop-in” replacement for diesel in mobile equipment that requires minimal modification and operator training while reducing lifecycle GHG emissions. Although higher blends of these alternative fuels have been demonstrated in more temperate climates, fewer examples have been shown in colder climate such as Canada’s North.
This presentation will provide an overview of the Sudbury Locomotive Biofuel Trial that took place at Vale Base Metal's Sudbury complex in 2024 including trial planning, execution, results, and next steps. This trial directly supports Vale Base Metal's first pillar of climate action to minimize operational emissions. The main objectives of the trial were to understand the fuel supply chain, operational performance and maintenance implications for the locomotive, and GHG emissions reduction potential. For this trial different biodiesel (B10, B20, B30, B50) and renewable diesel (R20, R100) blends were evaluated against petroleum diesel as the baseline. Key findings from the trial will be presented including efficient fuel logistics, locomotive performance, maintenance, and implications for GHG emissions reduction.
The authors trust that sharing these results will advance the implementation of alternative fuels as a pathway to decarbonize heavy duty mobile equipment in northern climates and offer considerations for their expanded use to achieve our collective net zero ambitions.