Hitachi Construction Machinery has showcased the operational and environmental performance of its first battery-powered dump truck at Kansanshi Copper Mine in Zambia.
The trial was carried out in cooperation with mine owner and Hitachi customer First Quantum Minerals, which has extensive experience operating trolley-assisted dump trucks. The mine’s existing trolley line infrastructure provided an optimal testing environment for the new technology.
Successful trials
The event in April brought together nearly 30 representatives of 20 mining companies from as far afield as Canada, Finland and Mongolia. Participants saw the dump truck operating and charging via overhead the trolley lines, and also took the opportunity to board and inspect the vehicle when stationary.
The showcase built on the results of a technological feasibility trial conducted at the mine between June 2024 and August 2025. During those tests, the dump truck performed in line with expectations as it covered more than 4,000 kilometres while hauling over 30,000 tonnes of material.
Around 92% of Zambia’s power supply comes from hydropower, ensuring a high proportion of renewable energy in the electricity grid. This set-up helped the vehicle to achieve zero carbon dioxide emissions. In addition, it demonstrated improved acceleration and lower noise levels compared to diesel-powered alternatives.
Digital technologies
Beyond the battery truck demonstration, the showcase featured a broader line-up of Hitachi products and solutions. These included the EX5600‑7E electric excavator and EH4000AC‑3 diesel trolley trucks, as well as mining buckets and dump bodies from Bradken. Digital mining technologies were also featured, including a fleet management system from Wenco and the LANDCROS Connect Insight platform.
