Australian Vanadium Limited (AVL) launched its green hydrogen strategy earlier this month, announcing it would look to use blended hydrogen across its operations and in ore processing.  

As part of its strategy it would also use a fleet of hydrogen-fueled trucks and vehicles and use hydrogen ammonia byproducts. 

AVL is not currently mining vanadium but has big plans for its massive exploration project near Meekatharra, about 740km north-east of Perth. The company is developing its mine project with a view to supply high-grade vanadium to steel and battery markets. 

Vanadium from the mine will be transported from Meekatharra to AVL's proposed processing site near Geraldton at the port Oakajee industrial site. 

On Wednesday AVL announced it had signed a memorandum of understanding with ATCO for the supply of green renewable hydrogen for its planned processing plant. It will be a 10% blend of hydrogen and is for an initial period of 10 years with an option to renew for a further 10. 

"Working with a company of ATCO's calibre will enable AVL to use green hydrogen in the natural gas supply, thereby reducing our carbon footprint," AVL managing director Vincent Algar said. 

AVL will be the first mining company in the Midwest region to use blended hydrogen across its operations, and is leading the way for others to do the same. 

One of the key concerns for a hydrogen hub in the Midwest has been a lack of demand and thus no supply. 

AVL is the first cab off the rank to create this supply for heavy industrial users. 

"We are excited to be part of creating local industrial consumption markets for an emerging hydrogen industry in Western Australia," Algar said.