Zero Emission Mining: Hitachi Construction Machinery Demonstrate Full Battery Dump Truck

Hitachi Construction Machinery has showcased its Full Battery Dump Truck to mining customers at First Quantum Minerals’ Kansanshi Copper Mine in Zambia, as the company moves towards planned commercial deployment of the technology in FY2027.

Full Battery Dump Truck Demonstration Highlights Progress Toward Zero-Emission Mining

The “Battery Truck & Electrification Showcase” brought together close to 30 mining customers from approximately 25 companies to observe the battery-electric haul truck operating and charging under overhead trolley lines at the mine site.

The event followed a technological feasibility trial conducted at Kansanshi Copper Mine between June 2024 and August 2025.

Mine-Site Operating Data Supports Commercialisation Plans

According to Hitachi Construction Machinery, the Full Battery Dump Truck achieved zero CO2 emissions during trial operations at the Zambia mine, where approximately 92% of the country’s electricity supply comes from hydropower.

During the trial, the truck covered more than 4,000 kilometres of haul road distance and transported over 30,000 tonnes while operating in line with its development targets.

The trial also demonstrated improved acceleration and reduced noise levels compared with conventional operations.

Attendees at the showcase were able to inspect the truck’s design, which maintains manoeuvrability and stability without changing gross vehicle weight when loaded or altering the centre of gravity.

Electrification and Trolley Infrastructure in Focus for Mining Operations

The feasibility trial was conducted in partnership with First Quantum Minerals, which provided access to its existing trolley line infrastructure and operational experience with trolley dump trucks.

The showcase also included demonstrations of other mining technologies from the Hitachi Construction Machinery Group, including electric excavators, diesel trolley trucks, Bradken buckets and dump bodies, alongside digital mining solutions including Wenco FMS and LANDCROS Connect Insight.

“We are delighted to have successfully completed the technological feasibility trial in partnership with First Quantum and to have showcased the results to many customers,” said Hiroshi Kanezawa, Hitachi Construction Machinery Executive Officer, Vice President of Mining Business Unit.

“The real-world operating data obtained from this technological feasibility trial demonstrates the Full Battery Dump Truck’s capability for continuous operation in actual mine sites, enabling us to propose optimal operational plans and trolley line designs.”

He added: “We will continue to refine this innovative technology and solutions with a view to commercial deployment in FY2027, contributing to sustainable mining operations by leveraging diverse power sources while achieving zero emissions and greater energy efficiency.”

First Quantum Highlights Role of Pit Electrification in Decarbonisation Strategy

First Quantum said the project supports its broader focus on reducing the carbon intensity of copper production.

“Pit electrification is an area of focus for First Quantum as we seek productive, safe and profitable decarbonization of our mining activities in order to deliver lower carbon intensity copper that will be essential for the global energy transition,” said Gordon White, Director of Mining Operations and Technology for First Quantum Minerals.

“Our extensive trolley line infrastructure and Zambia’s renewable energy provided an optimal environment for validating this groundbreaking technology. The success of the trial marks a significant step towards decarbonization in the mining industry.”