Hitachi Construction Machinery has showcased its full battery-powered dump truck at the Kansanshi copper mine in Zambia, marking a significant advancement in the electrification of mining equipment.
The demonstration was conducted in collaboration with First Quantum Minerals at its Kansanshi Copper Mine, where the company presented the operational and environmental capabilities of the battery-electric truck to industry stakeholders. The event attracted participation from mining companies, offering a first-hand view of the equipment’s performance under real-world conditions.
The full battery dump truck is designed to operate without a conventional diesel engine, utilising advanced battery systems along with trolley-assist technology that enables charging through overhead lines during operation. This configuration allows continuous working cycles while reducing the need for dedicated charging downtime.
During extended trials conducted between June 2024 and August 2025, the truck demonstrated consistent performance, covering over 4,000 km of haulage distance and transporting more than 30,000 tonnes of material. The trials validated its ability to operate effectively in demanding mining environments.
A key highlight of the project is its environmental performance. Powered largely by Zambia’s renewable energy mix—primarily hydropower—the truck achieved zero carbon emissions during operations, along with reduced noise levels and improved acceleration compared to conventional diesel equipment.
The initiative represents a major step toward decarbonising mining operations, with the battery-electric truck expected to reduce reliance on fossil fuels while improving energy efficiency. The deployment also positions Zambia as a key site for testing and advancing sustainable mining technologies.
Hitachi Construction Machinery plans to further refine the technology using real-world data collected from the trials, with commercial deployment targeted around 2027.
