Hitachi Construction Machinery Unveils Sustainable Future in Mining

Mon October 07, 2024
Hitachi

Hitachi Construction Machinery showcased solutions driving its Path to Zero on mine sites; Zero Emissions, Zero Downtime and Zero Entry Mines at MINExpo 2024.

Attendees witnessed the introduction of the EH4000AC-5 rigid dump truck that redefines capability in its class, the EX-7 excavators that balance innovation with a proven design, and a collaboration with Envirosuite Ltd. to provide intelligent insights for responsible mining.

The next-generation EH4000AC-5 rigid dump truck sets new performance benchmarks for mine site productivity. This truck boasts the industry's highest payload — 266 tons — and reaches a maximum speed of 40 mph to redefine material handling efficiency. This enhanced capability is a direct result of applying metal fabrication technologies perfected in the design of hydraulic excavators to the truck frame and body.

Durability is built-in with a strengthened suspension that delivers smooth and stable performance. Operators can choose from three driving modes (High Power, Power or Eco) to match the site environment. Eco Mode reduces fuel consumption while High Power Mode maximizes driving performance. The truck has been designed to deliver a lower cost per ton.

The Hitachi AC Drive Control Systems technology enhances stability, performance and maneuverability. Wet brakes in the front and back are paired with an enhanced retarder for superior deceleration performance in the harshest mining environments. The truck delivers more stable braking during long downhill operations with elevated electric braking performance and a new brake pedal, offering both hydraulic and electric braking.

A redesigned cab improves operator comfort with an upgraded center console featuring ergonomic switches and levers. The monitor provides the operator with loading conditions and information regarding safety conditions around the truck.

The EH4000AC-5 was designed with an eye toward the future. The truck can be upgraded to a fully electric specification with batteries and a trolley dynamic charging system that receives power from overhead lines.

Testing Battery Electric Trucks

The first technological feasibility trial of the full battery electric trolley truck is now under way with the truck operating at First Quantum Minerals Ltd.'s Kansanshi deep open-pit copper-gold mine in the Republic of Zambia.

First announced in June 2024, the trial of the ultra-large, full-battery rigid frame dump truck aims to verify the basic performance operations — such as traveling, turning and stopping — under actual operating loads and verify battery charging and discharging cycles.

Hitachi Construction Machinery's Vice President and Executive Officer, President of Mining Business Unit, Eiji Fukunishi, stated, "Mining companies around the world are working to reduce emissions. As an Original Equipment Manufacturer, it is our vision to provide solutions that can reduce our customers' environmental footprint. 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."

The full-battery dump truck can continuously operate in sites by directly charging from the overhead trolley lines and through the regenerative braking system. This means the truck does not need to stop to be charged.

First Quantum is a leader in trolley system operations. The use of Kansanshi infrastructure and the collaboration with First Quantum makes it possible to fast-track this evolving technology into a commercially viable solution.

Intelligence Supports Responsible Mining

Improving the site environment for the safety and health of workers and reducing the environmental impact on local communities is essential for sustainable resource extraction. Mine sites need intelligent tools to achieve this goal.

The collaboration with Envirosuite is a cornerstone of Hitachi Construction Machinery's strategy to address global demand around ESG and greenhouse gas (GHG) challenges in mining. Envirosuite is an environmental intelligence technology company that helps mines manage operational challenges to reduce risk and improve productivity. Envirosuite's powerful solutions combine operational data, evidence-based scientific methods and predictive meteorological models. Real-time monitoring of air quality, dust, noise, odor, vibration and water quality helps operations management make informed decisions.

Hitachi Construction Machinery will combine its mining knowledge with Envirosuite's industrial technology and the fleet management and digital mining solutions of Wenco, a wholly-owned subsidiary to provide comprehensive insights.

Strengthening Sales, Service Structure in South America

Hitachi Construction Machinery continues to develop a robust network of dealers with an extensive sales and service system. ZAMine Service Brasil, a partnership between Hitachi Construction Machinery and Marubeni Corporation, will expand the mining business by strengthening the system from new machinery sales to parts and services in the South American market.

Marubeni Brasil S.A., has been leading mining machinery sales in Brazil since 2017. Marubeni and Hitachi Construction Machinery have been collaborating since the 1970s. They have jointly established and operated mining machinery sales and service companies in Australia and Ukraine. Additionally, Marubeni subsidiaries and affiliated companies have been selling mining machinery from Hitachi Construction Machinery in Peru, Chile, Colombia and other countries.

For more information, visit www.hitachicm.us/industry/mining/

This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.