Hitachi Construction Machinery, a subsidiary of Hitachi, has partnered with ABB to develop a battery-powered electric dump truck. The aim is to achieve net-zero emissions in mining operations. In 2023, First Quantum Minerals joined the partnership to test the dump trucks at the Kansanshi mine in Zambia, where several Hitachi diesel-electric dump trucks are already in use.
The prototype is based on the Hitachi EH4000 AC-3 dump truck, a large vehicle with a 2,500 horsepower Cummins engine and a payload of 221 tons. The testing will focus on the performance of the vehicle and its supporting infrastructure. Preliminary testing of the prototype has been completed, and the vehicle is now being tested at the mine.
Mining operations are known for their environmental impact, but companies like Hitachi and others are working towards reducing emissions from their machines. By utilizing dynamic charging technology, the need to stop the vehicle for charging is eliminated, and the onboard battery pack can be smaller, reducing manufacturing costs while maximizing power output. This system is seen as a practical and economically viable solution to reducing emissions in the mining industry.
