Hitachi Construction Machinery has taken a significant step toward decarbonising large-scale mining operations following successful demonstrations of its first fully battery-powered dump truck at the Kansanshi Copper Mine in Zambia.
The field trial was conducted in partnership with First Quantum Minerals, the mine’s operator and a long-standing Hitachi customer with established experience in trolley-assisted haulage systems. The site’s existing overhead trolley infrastructure provided an ideal real-world setting for evaluating next-generation electrified mining equipment.
In a showcase event held in April, nearly 30 representatives from about 20 global mining companies—including participants from Canada, Finland, and Mongolia—observed the truck in active operation. The machine was also demonstrated charging dynamically via overhead trolley lines, and attendees were able to inspect the equipment at close range during stationary intervals.
The demonstration builds on an extended feasibility programme carried out between June 2024 and August 2025. During this period, the battery-electric haul truck covered over 4,000 kilometres while transporting more than 30,000 tonnes of material. Performance results reportedly met operational expectations throughout the trial.
A key enabler of the project’s environmental impact is Zambia’s energy mix, where approximately 92% of electricity is generated from hydropower. This allowed the system to operate with near-zero carbon emissions while also delivering benefits such as improved acceleration response and reduced noise compared to conventional diesel haulage equipment.
Alongside the battery truck, Hitachi presented a broader suite of mining technologies designed to support more efficient and sustainable operations. These included the EX5600-7E electric excavator, EH4000AC-3 trolley-assist haul trucks, and mining components such as buckets and dump bodies supplied by Bradken.
Digital solutions were also showcased, including Wenco’s fleet management systems and Hitachi’s LANDCROS Connect Insight platform, highlighting the increasing role of data-driven optimisation in modern mining operations.
According to Hiroshi Kanezawa, Executive Officer and Vice President of Hitachi Construction Machinery’s Mining Business Unit, the trial has provided valuable operational insights:
“The real-world data from this feasibility study confirms that the full battery dump truck can support continuous operations in active mining environments. It also enables us to better design optimal trolley systems and operational frameworks.”
He added that ongoing development is aimed at preparing the technology for commercial deployment by FY2027, with a focus on reducing emissions while improving energy efficiency through diversified power systems.
First Quantum Minerals also emphasized the importance of the collaboration in advancing sustainable mining practices.
Gordon White, Director of Mining Operations and Technology, noted:
“Kansanshi Copper Mine has been proud to support Hitachi Construction Machinery in validating this zero-emission technology. Our existing trolley infrastructure, combined with Zambia’s renewable energy base, created an ideal environment for testing.”
He further highlighted that such partnerships are critical in accelerating the mining sector’s transition toward lower-emission, technology-enabled operations.
