Hitachi Trials World’s First Full Battery Dump Truck at FQM’s Kansanshi Mine 

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. has embarked on a pioneering trial of an ultra-large full battery rigid frame dump truck at First Quantum Minerals Ltd.’s Kansanshi copper and gold mine in Zambia. 

This groundbreaking initiative, initiated in June 2024, aims to validate the truck’s operational capabilities under real mining conditions, including travel, turning, braking, and battery performance cycles.

First Quantum, renowned for its expertise in mining technology and operational infrastructure, is facilitating the trial at Kansanshi mine with overhead dynamic charging solutions and operational haul circuits.

This collaboration accelerates the adoption of innovative, environmentally friendly mining technologies, making them practical and commercially viable.

Zambia’s commitment to renewable energy, with 92% of its energy sourced from renewables like hydro, solar, wind, and biogas, reinforces the push towards decarbonization in mining.

Eiji Fukunishi, Vice President of Hitachi Construction Machinery, highlighted the truck’s potential impact: “The full battery dump truck represents the future of mining equipment, advancing zero-emission solutions.”

John Gregory, Director of Mining at First Quantum, emphasized operational benefits: “The trolley assist system with Hitachi’s 2,600V infrastructure enables multiple trucks to operate on overhead lines simultaneously, demonstrating practical and economic feasibility.”

Developed in partnership with ABB Ltd., the full battery dump truck integrates Hitachi’s expertise with ABB’s battery technology, supporting continuous operation through direct overhead line charging and regenerative braking.

With increasing demand for electrified mining equipment, Hitachi Construction Machinery aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in mining operations, promoting sustainability across the industry.

Source: im-mining.com