The demand for minerals continues to increase as they are vital to the batteries, chips and devices powering the emerging energy transition, which continues to pick up steam. With many large mines adopting environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies, there is a push to find more sustainable mining solutions to meet this growing demand. Some of the world’s largest mining companies are driving toward carbon neutrality and sustainable mining.

Electrifying mobile machines, where possible, can have a large environmental impact. Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd continues its efforts in developing solutions to reduce fuel consumption, and the resulting carbon dioxide emissions, in its mining equipment while continuing to research and develop cleaner technologies. The company has well-established expertise in the electrification of mine-site equipment with ultra-large hydraulic excavators wired for electric power and AC-drive haul trucks.

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd announced a collaboration with ABB Ltd., a Swiss company with strengths in electrification, automation and digital technologies for mining machinery. ABB has experience throughout the mining process, including with mining equipment management systems. Together, the companies are working to achieve net-zero emissions, with the goal of offering innovative products to improve the efficiency and scalability of mine sites through a fusion of solutions from both companies. One of their first joint projects is the development of a battery-electric haul truck that will use trolley-assist to charge onboard batteries while simultaneously providing energy to power the truck.