Anglo American Platinum Testing Fuel Cell Locomotive
05/09/2012| 06:44am US/Eastern
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Anglo American Platinum Ltd. (AMS.JO) said Wednesday it's testing a platinum-based fuel cell-powered mining locomotive, in order to try and jumpstart a fuel cell industry in South Africa.
The world's largest platinum miner said it's working with partners to develop a locomotive which it will then test in one of its mines underground. Anglo American Platinum, a unit of Anglo American PLC (>> Anglo American plc), said it's working with Vehicle Projects, Trident South Africa, and Battery Electric.
"A South African fuel cell industry would support the country's drive for jobs and help to meet its energy challenges," Anglo American chief executive Cynthia Carroll said.
Anglo American said hydrogen powered fuel cell locomotives are more economical and environmentally friendly than traditional rail transport. A fuel cell is essentially a gas battery that produces electricity as long as it is fed with hydrogen gas.
The company is also working with government departments to develop a fuel cell industry in South Africa, and the "collaborative work is intended to enable the development of a local fuel cell manufacturing, distribution, marketing and servicing industry which will be globally competitive," Anglo American said.
-By Devon Maylie, Dow Jones Newswires; +27117837848; devon.maylie@dowjones.com
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05-09-12 0643ET
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