Rio Tinto starts trial for renewable diesel-powered truck at Calif. borates mine

Rio Tinto Group has launched a 5,000-hour trial on the use of renewable diesel in one of the haul trucks at its Boron borates operation in California.

The trial will monitor the truck's performance and the fuel's impact on the vehicle's fuel system components, Rio Tinto subsidiary U.S. Borax Inc. said Dec. 17.

U.S. Borax said renewable diesel is produced using organic biomass and contains about 70% to 80% fewer emissions than standard diesel.

Unlike biodiesel, renewable diesel can fully replace normal diesel, has a longer shelf life and can be used in cold weather, the company said.