The prototype of Hitachi’s super-sized electric dump truck is currently undergoing testing at the Kansanshi open-pit copper-gold mine in Zambia, contributing to reduced emissions.
The super-sized electric dump truck is developed from the Hitachi EH4000 AC-3 model, measuring 14 meters in length, with 74 cm tires, equipped with a Cummins engine delivering 2,500 horsepower, and a payload capacity of 221 tons. It will undergo testing to verify the truck’s basic performance and the supporting infrastructure, as reported by New Atlas on June 28.
The electric dump truck uses batteries and can charge while operating thanks to an overhead cable system. (Image: Hitachi Construction Machinery)
Mining is known for its significant pollution, but several companies such as GM, Fortescue, Caterpillar, and Anglo American are making efforts to limit emissions during mining processes. Hitachi Construction Machinery, a subsidiary of Hitachi, is collaborating with technology giant ABB to help mine operators achieve net-zero emissions for their mining machinery. The project to develop the battery-powered dump truck was initiated in June 2021.
In 2023, the mining company First Quantum Minerals joined the partnership, agreeing to test the dump trucks at the Kansanshi copper-gold mine, where several diesel-electric dump trucks from Hitachi are currently in operation. These diesel-electric trucks move within the mine using a conventional internal combustion engine but can also elevate their transmission frames to connect with overhead cables and operate entirely on electricity.
The all-electric version will completely eliminate diesel emissions – a significant advantage for mining operations in Zambia, where approximately 92% of the country’s energy needs are met by renewable sources.
In January of this year, preliminary testing of the battery-powered dump truck prototype was completed. The prototype has since been transported to Zambia and has commenced the next testing phase at the Kansanshi mine. The project team hopes that the truck can operate continuously thanks to the existing overhead charging infrastructure.
While the truck’s power capacity has not been disclosed, the active charging setup eliminates the need for the truck to stop for charging, resulting in a smaller integrated battery size compared to trucks operating solely on batteries and engines. This will help reduce manufacturing costs while maximizing capacity. “This system is an economically viable and practical solution to reduce emissions in the mining industry in the coming years,” stated John Gregory, an advisor at First Quantum Minerals.
