A proof of concept will be implemented as part of the LOI; Hitachi Construction Machinery supplying the first of its full battery, rigid frame dump trucks fitted with an ABB Ltd battery, on-board charger and associated infrastructure by the end of FY2023 for technological feasibility trials at First Quantum’s Kansanshi copper-gold mine operations, including the S3 expansion projected for commissioning and first production in 2025.

This partnership represents a significant milestone for both companies: Hitachi Construction Machinery accelerating the validation of its zero emission mining product as part of its technology roadmap, and First Quantum progressing towards reducing its operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and achieving its long-term sustainability goals by applying this battery-electric technology at one of its largest mine sites.

Hitachi Construction Machinery and First Quantum have a long-standing relationship that will be further strengthened through this LOI and POC. The Kansanshi mine is ideally suited to these trials due to its existing trolley assist systems, which align with development of battery dump trucks. First Quantum currently operates 41 Hitachi Construction Machinery (diesel) trolley trucks at Kansanshi, meaning much of the required infrastructure for the battery dump truck is already in place.

Developed in collaboration with ABB, Hitachi Construction Machinery’s battery dump truck will utilise on-board energy storage and trolley systems to generate power. Via a pantograph, the battery dump truck connects to overhead power lines, drawing power to allow the truck to run. At the same time, the generated energy is used to charge the battery system. This is separate to the regenerated power from the retarder braking system which will generate a high level of charge during haul road descent.

“ABB is delighted to continue its collaborative partnership with Hitachi Construction Machinery through the supply of highly energy-efficient DC/DC converters, fitting state of the art traction batteries forming together the most efficient package to electrify rigid dump trucks,” said Fabiana Cavalcante, Head of eMobility for ABB’s Traction Division. “Together, we look forward to advancing our co-creation efforts to develop solutions that enable all-electric mine operations and support customers like First Quantum in the achievement of their sustainability ambitions.”

Applying a proven technology from its current trolley truck system to the battery dump truck has allowed Hitachi Construction Machinery to expedite the development of its product to market. The retrofittable system design is also an added advantage, allowing current diesel truck fleets to be converted in the future to utilise the battery system, offering scalable fleet capability, minimal operational impact and greater value for customers such as First Quantum.

First Quantum’s fleet of Hitachi Construction Machinery equipment includes 39 EH3500ACII and two EH3500AC-3 rigid dump trucks across its mining operations in Zambia, as well as several construction-sized machinery across global operations. A further 40 EH4000AC-3 dump trucks equipped with the latest HCM/Bradken robust tray designs are on order for first delivery to Kansanshi in 2023, to support its S3 expansion project as it is scaled up. Six new EX5600-7E (electric) excavators equipped with Bradken Eclipse buckets and incorporating loss tooth detection technology are also to be supplied, demonstrating the company’s long-term commitment to reducing GHG emissions across its operations.

Continued collaboration through this battery dump truck trial is expected to directly contribute to ongoing optimisation of technology, infrastructure, safety and onsite deployment strategies and processes for mining sector benefit as Hitachi Construction Machinery approaches a future of energy transition and increased demand for low-carbon equipment.

Beyond the mine site, the partnership is expected to facilitate significant investment in Zambia to deliver social and economic benefits. An in-country engine repair facility is planned for establishment, supported by both companies, which will provide an increase in employment and skills development opportunities within the local community.

Sonosuke Ishii, Senior Vice President and Executive Officer, President of Mining Business Unit for Hitachi Construction Machinery states: “Hitachi Construction Machinery and First Quantum have a close and respectful working relationship – since their first equipment purchase in 2004 – and we are honoured to cement this further through ongoing collaboration and support with the signing of this LOI. The battery dump truck represents the future, not only for the Hitachi Construction Machinery Group but for the mining industry as a whole, and we are pleased to establish this proving ground on an active mine site and work with First Quantum on advancing this zero emission solution. It’s one of the many solutions in development that will allow Hitachi Construction Machinery to contribute toward realising a safe and sustainable society by solving critical issues related to carbon emissions reduction and climate change.”

John Gregory, Director of Mining for First Quantum Minerals added: “Innovation in mining is integral to First Quantum’s philosophy and we’re excited about this technology partnership with Hitachi Construction Machinery. Pit electrification is an area of focus for First Quantum as we seek productive, safe and profitable decarbonisation of our mining activities in order to deliver lower carbon intensity copper that will be essential for the global energy transition. First Quantum has spent more than ten years implementing trolley assist technology with Hitachi Construction Machinery at Kansanshi, an area in which we are now industry leading. We see this as a technological evolution towards future commercialisation of a practical equipment battery solution through the use of our advanced trolley infrastructure.”

He adds: “Together with in-pit crushing and conveying and electric drilling, First Quantum saves an estimated 100,000 tonnes of CO2 a year across our Zambian operations, while delivering improved productivity, cost savings and health and safety benefits. In collaborating with Hitachi Construction Machinery on battery dump trucks, we look forward to the next phase of pit electrification as we seek to further reduce our greenhouse gas emissions in line with our target of a 50% reduction by 2030.”