Canadian miner First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has partnered with Hitachi Construction Machinery to commission the world’s first ultralarge battery-electric mining truck at its Kansanshi copper and gold mine in Zambia.

In a media release, FQM said the initiative underscores its commitment to innovation, energy efficiency, reduced reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions across its mining operations.

The all-electric Hitachi EH4000 truck, which integrates advanced battery technology with trolley-assist systems, was commissioned at the Kansanshi site on April 16.

The company said this milestone represented a significant step towards decarbonising heavy mining haulage and positioned Zambia as a global leader in sustainable mining technology.

Speaking at the commissioning event, Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary Dr Hapenga Kabeta praised the partnership, saying that the launch of the partnership was very important to the development agenda of Zambia, and that the use of clean energy over fossil fuels was the way forward.

“Environmental stewardship is essential if we are to protect the planet from the rising impacts of climate change. Such strategic partnerships represent the future of responsible and sustainable mining. This collaboration is not accidental but is part of the very DNA of FQM,” said Kabeta.

“It ticks all the boxes, caring for the planet, embracing technology, and acting as a good corporate citizen,” he added.

This environmental stewardship focuses on the three P’s of the bottom line: profit, people, and the planet.

“FQM employs a high proportion of Zambian citizens, about 96%, including in senior management roles. As a government, we are proud of this achievement,” Kabeta emphasised.

Kabeta further expressed that the partnership placed Zambia on the map as a leading mining destination where cutting-edge technology drove success. 

“It demonstrates that such investments are possible in a stable, predictable, and stakeholder-driven business environment,” he continued.

Speaking at the same event, FQM CEO Tristan Pascall highlighted the importance of the collaborative effort.

“We are standing at an event where Zambia is right at the forefront of renewable energy and low-emissions technology.

“Today is about what can be achieved when a mining company, a technology partner and government work together to move the industry forward.

“Innovation is not simple, but it is significant. The battery-electric truck we are commissioning today has been years in the making, involving extensive research, development and close cooperation,” he said.

For FQM, government remains a key partner through Zambian State-owned investment company ZCCM Investments Holdings’ shareholding, and FQM particularly recognises the country’s Mine Safety Department for enabling safe testing of this new technology.

The company deems this to be a strong example of an enabling environment that allows industry to invest in innovation for the betterment of society.

“Through new technology, we are creating opportunities for our Zambian employees to lead in battery electric and trolley-assist systems – expertise that is currently unique in the world,” Pascall stated.

Pascall further said that the fleet electrification at Kansanshi had real potential to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, especially at a time of global fuel price pressures.

He said that the innovation made business sense, leveraged Zambia’s abundant hydroelectric renewable energy and reflected FQM’s culture of continuous improvement, safety, and adaptation.

“Our long-standing partnership with Hitachi dates back to 2012 with the introduction of trolley-enabled systems. Today’s success is the result of that shared vision and commitment,” Pascall said.

Hitachi Mining Business Unit VP Ray Kitic added that the success in the programme stemmed from the infrastructure, scale and the ‘will of the partner’ to drive change.

“We value the depth of FQM’s commitment to decarbonisation, not just for headlines but for real impact on operations, Zambia and society at large.

“Zambia’s high proportion of hydroelectric power, up to 85% [of the country’s grid], makes it an ideal location to demonstrate true decarbonisation across scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.

“Our guiding principles for this project have been clear: the solution must be safe, practical, durable, and commercially viable,” Kitic explained.  

He expressed pride at what had been achieved in a short time and what could be achieved in the future.

“FQM has been an outstanding partner, and we look forward to continuing this journey together for the benefit of society,” Kitic noted.  

FQM concluded that the launch of the battery electric truck at Kansanshi demonstrated how strategic partnerships, enabling government policies and technological innovation could drive sustainable mining while delivering economic and environmental benefits.