In an effort to reduce emissions in the mining industry, companies like Hitachi are working towards developing new technologies that can help achieve net-zero emissions. One such technology is a battery-powered electric dump truck prototype currently undergoing testing at the Kansanshi open-pit copper-gold mine in Zambia.
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.
Hitachi Construction Machinery, a subsidiary of Hitachi, has partnered with ABB to develop this battery-powered electric dump truck with the aim of achieving net-zero emissions in mining. The electric-only version of the dump truck will eliminate diesel emissions, which is particularly beneficial in Zambia where most of the energy comes from renewable sources. 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.
