ABB, Hitachi, Komatsu, and Sumitomo Power Up Zambia’s First Electric Mining Fleet
As global demand for battery minerals continues to surge, technology leaders ABB, Hitachi, Komatsu, and Sumitomo are joining forces to decarbonize mining operations through a cutting-edge electrification strategy that has already reduced emissions across several Japanese sites.
The partnership between Hitachi Construction Machinery and ABB Traction reached a major milestone last year with the completion of a prototype for a fully electric, 240-ton haul truck designed for heavy-duty mining.
Since then, Komatsu and Sumitomo have joined the effort. These new electric haul trucks are now operating at First Quantum Minerals’ Kansanshi copper-gold mine in Zambia.
“We are delighted to see our collaboration with Hitachi Construction Machinery reaching this crucial step,” said Fabiana Cavalcante, Head of Mobile e-Power at ABB Traction.
“This project not only addresses the challenges of dump truck electrification but also supports global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
We’re excited to see the prototype proving itself in Zambia’s mining environment.”
The Kansanshi deployment represents the first OEM-led pilot of this type of electric vehicle in real-world mining conditions.
These advanced trucks were also a central topic at The Electric Mine Conference held in Chile last week.
There, the companies showcased not only Hitachi’s electrification of FQM’s heavy haul fleet but also a unique “trolley-assist” overhead charging system. This system allows the electric trucks to operate continuously with minimal downtime.
Here’s how it works: On flat terrain, the trucks run on their internal high-capacity batteries. During steep uphill climbs, they draw supplemental power from overhead wires.
While descending, they recharge using regenerative braking technology. This three-part system significantly reduces — and in some cases eliminates — idle time for charging, ensuring near-continuous operation.
The shift toward electric mining is driven by projections from the International Energy Agency (IEA), which expects mineral demand from electric vehicles to grow 30-fold between 2020 and 2040.
Demand for lithium and nickel alone is forecast to rise 40 times, while diesel consumption is falling faster than anticipated — reaching a 26-year low last summer.
The IEA’s outlook considers various battery technology scenarios, including the growing role of utility-scale energy storage.
In short, mining activity is set to increase dramatically — and decarbonizing these operations is essential for building a sustainable energy future.
SOURCE:electrek.co
