Lively company signs deal to reduce emissions

BY SCOTT HADDOW

With the few strokes a pen late last week, MTI and Hy-Drive completed a monumental mining deal which will change the landscape of the industry for years to come.

The deal involves MTI installing the Hy-Drive system on new and existing equipment, which will significantly lower emissions from mining machines as well as lower fuel consumption.

Hy-Drive, a company from Mississauga, has developed a system known as the Hydrogen Generating System which injects hydrogen gas into regular internal combustion engines, enhancing the combustion process by allowing fuel to burn more efficiently and completely.

During extensive tests, the system demonstrated performance enhancements including reduced emissions, increased torque and horsepower, fuel savings and extended engine life.

As a direct result of being so efficient, the system also lowers harmful emissions, bringing welcomed relief to workers underground.

Hy-Drive was in the business of finding a reliable partner and looked no further after meeting with the MTI team.

“We were looking for great people to work with...We have phenomenal partners,” said Tom Brown, Hy-Drive president and CEO. “The sytem...will improve air quality underground and the beauty is it will save lives.”

The deal also comes with good labour news for the local mining scene. 10 new jobs will be created locally at MTI, and another six in Mississauga.

“This will grow as as demand for the product grows,” said Minister of Northern Development and Mines Rick Bartolucci. “It's especially good news for our young and dynamic people in this industry and opens up more opportunities. This partnership sets a high standard for other companies and industry to follow.”

MTI has put the system through a battery of their own tests, and came away believers.

“We ran the unit in a quarry,” said MTI president Robert Lipic. “We measured fuel consumption daily. We determined there were fuel savings of 27 percent of its original consumption. The fuel cost saving are between 20 to 30 percent. We believe this will change the way we think about air quality for people underground and on the surface. This deal could be worth millions.”

The unit is expected to cost in the $30,000 range, but the initial cost will be recovered quickly by fuel savings.

The Hy-Drive system could, potentially, eventually end up in passenger vehicles one day as well.