The Komatsu Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Alliance has been founded by the company in partnership with global mining group Rio Tinto, Anglo-Australian mining giant BHP, Chilean copper miner Codelco and Swedish mining and smelting group Boliden Boliden.

The GHG's first task is to develop a concept haulage vehicle that will be power agnostic, with different prototypes to explore the benefits of diesel electric, electric, trolley (wired), battery power and hydrogen fuel cells.

Beyond that project, the miners will work with Komatsu on product planning, development, testing and deployment of the next generation of zero-emission mining equipment and infrastructure.

"We are honoured that our customers, several of the largest mining companies in the world, have agreed to participate in the Komatsu GHG Alliance and work in partnership with us to develop sustainable solutions for mining," said Masayuki Moriyama, president of Komatsu's Mining Business Division.

Rio Tinto said earlier today it will conduct a pre-production trial of zero-emission equipment at a Rio Tinto site and has the option to purchase some of the first trucks from Komatsu once they are commercially viable.

"Our support of a trial, and the option to buy some of the first trucks from Komatsu, underscores our shared commitment to actively collaborate on product planning, development, testing and deployment of the next generation of zero-emission mining equipment and infrastructure," said Alf Barrios, Rio Tinto's chief commercial officer.

BHP's Group Procurement Officer, James Agar, added: "We are excited by the opportunity to work with the Komatsu GHG Alliance to drive new technology and innovation that can benefit the mining industry globally. This collaboration is a great example of the partnership approach we are taking in our supply chain as we work towards BHP's goal of net zero operational emissions by 2050."