ABB and Hitachi Partner To Electrify Japan’s Mining Industry

A global push to power the energy transition sustainably is fuelling soaring demand for metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper and graphite. 

These metals are essential for producing batteries, motors and electrification components, however they come with an environmental cost.

Mining, the very industry that provides these materials, accounts for up to 7% of global GHG emissions, with diesel-powered vehicles a major contributor.

Addressing this are industry leaders ABB, Hitachi Construction Machinery, Komatsu and Sumitomo Corporation, collaborating to decarbonise mining operations through full-scale electrification.

The world's first ultra-large electric haul truck

In 2024, ABB and Hitachi Construction Machinery deployed the world’s first ultra-large, fully electric haul truck at the Kansanshi copper-gold mine in Zambia. 

This deployment marked the first-ever OEM-led technological feasibility trial of such a vehicle at a live mining site.

The truck operates on a hybrid energy system, running on a high-capacity battery on level ground, draws power from an overhead trolley line while climbing and uses regenerative braking to recharge the battery when descending. 

This setup drastically reduces charging time, allowing continuous operation and significantly improving energy efficiency.

"By working together, we will tackle electrification and make a revolutionary difference to the way mining companies operate their sites in the near future," says Max Luedtke, Global Business Line Manager for Mining, ABB Process Industries.

The vehicle also incorporates advanced thermal and energy management systems to maximise the battery’s lifespan. 

ABB’s DC/DC converters further boost the energy efficiency of the truck, which is part of a broader industry push to electrify fleets and reduce reliance on diesel.

Creating scalable electrification

ABB is also working closely with Komatsu, one of the world's largest manufacturers of construction and mining equipment. 

The collaboration is developing an open platform for integrated electrification solutions, from renewable energy generation to fully electric mining fleets.

This joint effort is focused on eliminating diesel use entirely in mining operations by combining ABB’s expertise in electrification and automation with Komatsu’s extensive knowledge of heavy industrial equipment. 

A dedicated joint team has been formed to bring these solutions to market and accelerate uptake across global mining sites.

Partnering with Sumitomo Corporation

Further cementing its leadership in sustainable mining, ABB has signed a strategic agreement with Sumitomo Corporation. 

This partnership focuses on developing technology recommendations and decarbonisation strategies for heavy machinery and industrial systems.

Working with Sumitomo’s Construction and Mining Systems Strategic Business Unit, ABB is exploring innovations in fleet electrification and renewable integration tailored to mining environments. 

"Together with Sumitomo, we’re prepared to make further inroads to the challenge of decarbonizing heavy machinery in the mining industry," explains Joachim Braun, Division President, ABB Process Industries. 

"As a technology leader we do not take this responsibility lightly and mean to investigate all routes to drive effective change for leaner and cleaner operations. No organisation can do this alone, and we share strong values and ideas with our new partner."

The collaboration underscores the growing recognition that only through shared commitment and aligned values can meaningful progress be achieved.

A cleaner future for mining

With demand for transition-critical metals at an all-time high, the mining sector is under pressure to deliver materials more sustainably. 

Electrification of mining fleets is a vital step toward this goal.

Through high-profile collaborations, field trials and integrated solutions, ABB and its partners are not just advancing mining technology — they are shaping a future where electrified, low-emission mining becomes the global standard. 

These innovations represent a crucial shift in how the sector can contribute to, rather than compromise, the world’s climate goals.

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