The role of hydrogen in mining decarbonisation

The mining sector faces increasing pressure to decarbonise. Hydrogen is emerging as a versatile energy carrier for high-demand applications such as heavy-haul trucks, excavators, and ore processing. This review synthesizes developments in hydrogen production, storage, transportation, vehicle deployment, safety, and modelling, drawing on over 170 studies and industrial projects published in the last decade. Pilot projects already demonstrate hydrogen-powered mining trucks and excavators, achieving 60–95 % emission reductions compared to diesel. Hydrogen is also being trialed in industrial processes, including iron ore reduction, hydrogen-powered calcination, and direct steel reduction. Projected demand for large mines is 5–10 t H 2 /day, with near-term levelised costs estimated at 3–6 USD/kg. Compared with battery-electric systems, hydrogen offers a longer driving range, higher energy density, and rapid refueling. It can be especially advantageous in remote sites where reliable power supply and charging infrastructure are limited, though challenges remain in cost, infrastructure, and safety. Beyond technical aspects, successful deployment requires robust supply chains, regulatory frameworks, and safety standards. Looking ahead, hydrogen integration may expand to on-site electrolysis and sector coupling with renewable fuel production, enabling flexible low-carbon energy systems. By identifying realistic opportunities and hurdles, this review outlines pathways for hydrogen adoption in mining and supports the sector's transition to sustainable, low-carbon raw material production. • Hydrogen production, transportation and storage tailored to mine operations. • Hydrogen in mining: projects, heavy-duty vehicles, potential long-haul trucks, and economic feasibility analysis. • Safety risks and regulatory aspects of hydrogen use in mining. • Energy system modeling for hydrogen integration in mining.