Meet Africa’s only hydrogen trucker
Lekgau’s vehicle also the biggest in the world in the sector
Alex Tumisang Lekgau, 29, is the first licensed hydrogen truck operator in Africa and operator of the largest one in the world.
It took the driver from Mokopane in Limpopo eight months to train to use the gigantic truck which was launched at Anglo American’s Mogalakwena mine last week.
The hydrogen truck is a lowcarbon footprint haulage vehicle that can carry a 290-ton load as part of Anglo American’s nuGen Zero Emission Haulage Solution, which aims to become carbon neutral by 2040 by replacing diesel trucks which each can use up to a million tons of the fuel a year.
Lekgau, who also helped experts to build the truck, was working as a diesel mechanical assistant at Mogalakwena when he heard about the project in 2021 and volunteered to be the first to do the job.
He was tested in August 2021 and passed the global test to become the sole operator of the 210-tonne truck. The tests included modules and simulation. “Being the first in Africa to operate and work on this machinery is a great opportunity to grow my career in the world of hydrogen operations.
“It is going to be the toughest exposure and experience for me because I have to make a lot of adjustments like getting familiar with the truck and utilising the new driving skills and being accustomed to the lifestyle.”
Lekgau studied towards a certificate in engineering studies at the Capricorn TVET College before joining Anglo American in 2018.
“Before being licensed I was doing major repairs, cable routing and installation of various components. I was also encouraging safe work processes by issuing the correct protecting equipment to my colleagues and I also managed the storeroom and kept good housekeeping on site,” he said.
Lekgau is ecstatic he gets to further his career using new technology. “Working for engineering control techniques is a great feeling for me because I am meeting with goal-driven and hardworking people who are willing to help and are kind...that is why I am flexible with the working hours and know I am going to be with people who I love being with.”
In the future, he wants to be a hydrogen truck safety facilitator, teaching others how to use the machinery.
CEO of Anglo American Duncan Wanblad said they plan to remove up to 80% of diesel emissions. “Over the next several years, we envisage converting or replacing our current fleet of diesel-powered trucks with this zero-emission haulage system, fuelled with green hydrogen. If this pilot is successful, we could remove up to 80% of diesel emissions at our open pit mines...”