First Quantum Minerals and Hitachi Construction Machinery have completed a large-scale demonstration of a battery-electric haul truck at the Kansanshi copper and gold mine in north-western Zambia, near the town of Solwezi.
The demonstration on 15 April showcased Hitachi’s full-battery dump truck operating with overhead trolley lines. The site hosted a technological feasibility trial from June 2024 to August 2025, during which the truck travelled more than 4,000km and hauled over 30,000t of material.
The truck is based on Hitachi’s EH4000 platform, an ultra-class rigid dump truck commonly used in large open-pit operations. In this configuration, it integrates onboard battery systems with trolley-assist infrastructure, allowing the truck to draw power from overhead lines while operating on haul roads.
Hitachi stated that the vehicle maintained “maneuverability and stability without changing its gross vehicle weight when loaded and centre of gravity”, while also demonstrating improved acceleration and reduced noise. During the trial, the company reported zero CO₂ emissions from truck operations, reflecting Zambia’s electricity mix, which is largely supplied by hydropower.
Hiroshi Kanezawa, executive officer and vice-president of Hitachi Construction Machinery’s mining business unit, said the trial provided “real-world operating data… [that] demonstrates the Full Battery Dump Truck’s capability for continuous operation in actual mine sites”, adding that the results would support planning for commercial deployment targeted for the 2027 financial year.
The programme was conducted in collaboration with FQM, which operates Kansanshi and has existing trolley line infrastructure at the site.
Gordon White, director of mining operations and technology at First Quantum Minerals, said “pit electrification is an area of focus” for the company as it seeks “productive, safe and profitable decarbonisation” of its mining activities.
Separately, First Quantum confirmed it has commissioned what it describes as the world’s first ultra-large battery electric mining truck at Kansanshi, based on the same EH4000 model. The company said the project reflects efforts to reduce reliance on diesel and lower emissions across its operations.
First Quantum Minerals CEO Tristan Pascall said the deployment “has been years in the making, involving extensive research, development and close cooperation”, adding that the initiative demonstrates how collaboration between a mining company, an equipment manufacturer and government can support technology adoption.
Ray Kitic, vice-president of Hitachi’s mining business unit, said the project had been guided by requirements that the solution be “safe, practical, durable and commercially viable”, citing Zambia’s high proportion of hydroelectric power as a factor enabling decarbonised operations.
In addition to the truck demonstration, Hitachi presented related equipment and systems including electric excavators and its Wenco fleet management system, alongside LANDCROS Connect Insight (a fleet management platform). The company said these tools are designed to support fleet coordination and operational monitoring in electrified mining environments.
According to First Quantum, the project also aims to develop local capability in battery-electric and trolley-assist systems, with a workforce that is predominantly Zambian.
