Hitachi Construction Machinery has advanced its push into mine electrification, showcasing a full battery-powered haul truck at a major African copper operation as it eyes commercial deployment later this decade.
The Hitachi Construction Machinery hosted its “Battery Truck & Electrification Showcase” on April 15 at First Quantum Minerals’ Kansanshi copper mine in Zambia, providing customers with a live demonstration of its Full Battery Dump Truck in operation.
The event followed a technological feasibility trial conducted at the same site from June 2024 to August 2025, where the truck operated using overhead trolley lines and existing infrastructure. Close to 30 mining customers from around 25 companies attended the showcase, observing both the truck’s performance and charging capabilities, while also inspecting the machine’s design.
According to Hitachi Construction Machinery, the Full Battery Dump Truck maintained manoeuvrability and stability without changes to gross vehicle weight or centre of gravity when loaded, with attendees expressing strong expectations around its potential to support both productivity and decarbonisation outcomes.
The feasibility trial, undertaken in partnership with First Quantum, leveraged the miner’s experience with trolley truck operations. Zambia’s energy mix – with 92 per cent of power sourced from hydropower – provided favourable conditions for testing, enabling the truck to achieve zero CO2 emissions during operations.
Over the course of the trial, the truck travelled more than 4000km along haul roads and transported in excess of 30,000t of material. Hitachi Construction Machinery said the unit also demonstrated improved acceleration and reduced noise levels, while delivering performance in line with its development concept.
The company said the real-world operating data collected at Kansanshi will play a critical role in supporting the truck’s commercialisation, which is targeted for the 2027 financial year.
The showcase also highlighted a broader suite of Hitachi Construction Machinery Group technologies, including electric excavators, trolley-enabled diesel trucks and ground engaging tools, alongside digital solutions such as fleet management and analytics platforms.
Hitachi Construction Machinery executive officer and vice president of the mining business unit Hiroshi Kanezawa said the trial marked an important milestone for the company’s electrification strategy.
“We are delighted to have successfully completed the technological feasibility trial in partnership with First Quantum and to have showcased the results to many customers,” he said.
“The real-world operating data obtained from this technological feasibility trial demonstrates the Full Battery Dump Truck’s capability for continuous operation in actual mine sites, enabling us to propose optimal operational plans and trolley line designs.
“We will continue to refine this innovative technology and solutions with a view to commercial deployment in FY2027, contributing to sustainable mining operations by leveraging diverse power sources while achieving zero emissions and greater energy efficiency.”
Hitachi Construction Machinery said it will continue to develop the technology through collaboration with partners, positioning battery-electric haulage as a key pathway toward reducing emissions from mining fleets.