Japan’s Hitachi Construction Machinery Co says it is working with First Quantum Minerals on the “world’s first technological feasibility trial” of a full battery-powered large dump truck at a copper-gold mine in Zambia.
The testwork started in June at the Kansanshi mine. It is unclear how long it will run.
“The battery dump truck represents the future, not only for the Hitachi Construction Machinery Group but for the mining industry as a whole, and we are pleased to establish this proving ground on an active mine site and work with First Quantum on advancing this zero emission solution,” HCM mining business president Eiji Fukunishi said.
HCM said the trial aimed to “verify the basic performance of operations required of a battery-powered dump truck – such as traveling, turning, and stopping – under actual operating loads, as well as the verification of battery charging and discharging cycles”.
The battery-powered truck is supported by an electric trolley system. HCM started working with ABB in mid-2021 to develop the truck.
HCM described First Quantum as a leader in trolley system operations with in-house technology development and deployment.
“The use of Kansanshi infrastructure and the collaboration with First Quantum are the key differentiators to fast tracking this evolving technology design which makes it the ideal practical and commercially viable solution,” the manufacturer said.
Zambia is said to derive 92% of its electric power from hydro and other renewable sources.