How ABB's Electric Trucks Are Re-Shaping Mining in Japan
The global drive for cleaner energy is pushing demand for metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper and graphite.
These resources are key to powering batteries, electric motors and other components vital to electrification.
Yet mining, the industry responsible for extracting these materials, contributes up to 7% of worldwide GHG emissions, much of it from diesel-powered vehicles.
To counter this, industrial leaders ABB, Hitachi Construction Machinery, Komatsu and Sumitomo Corporation are joining forces to reduce mining’s environmental impact by shifting operations to fully electric power.
Electrifying heavy haulage
In 2024, ABB and Hitachi Construction Machinery took a bold step by deploying the world’s first ultra-large, fully electric haul truck at the Kansanshi copper-gold mine in Zambia.
The milestone marks the first original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-led trial of such a vehicle under real mining conditions.
The truck runs on a hybrid energy system.
It uses a high-capacity battery when on level terrain, connects to overhead trolley lines for power during uphill climbs, and recharges via regenerative braking on descents.
This three-part system minimises charging downtime, enabling the vehicle to operate continuously while boosting energy efficiency.
Advanced thermal and energy management systems onboard help extend battery life. ABB’s own DC/DC converters also enhance how effectively the truck uses energy.
This development fits into a wider industry ambition to move away from diesel and electrify entire mining fleets.
Scaling electrification with Komatsu
ABB is also expanding its electrification push through close collaboration with Komatsu, one of the world’s largest mining and construction equipment manufacturers.
This partnership is creating an open platform to enable electrification from end to end — from renewable energy generation through to fully electric fleets working within mining sites.
By merging ABB’s automation and electrification capabilities with Komatsu’s industrial equipment expertise, the goal is to eliminate diesel from mining operations entirely.
A joint team from both companies has been set up to bring this platform to market and speed up its rollout across mining operations worldwide.
Strategic alignment with Sumitomo
ABB is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable mining through a strategic agreement with Sumitomo Corporation.
This partnership is focused on technology guidance and developing pathways for decarbonising industrial machinery and heavy equipment.
Sumitomo’s Construction and Mining Systems Strategic Business Unit is working with ABB to explore fleet electrification and integration of renewable energy sources suited to mining settings.
"Together with Sumitomo, we’re prepared to make further inroads to the challenge of decarbonising 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."
This collaboration highlights a wider industry recognition that real change demands aligned efforts and long-term partnerships.
A path to cleaner extraction
As the energy transition accelerates, so does the need for metals critical to that change. Mining companies are under mounting pressure to deliver these resources in a more sustainable way.
The electrification of mining fleets is emerging as a central solution.
Through on-the-ground trials, deep industry collaborations and open innovation platforms, ABB and its partners are moving mining toward lower emissions and smarter operations.
These efforts are reshaping mining’s role in the global energy equation — not as an obstacle but as an enabler.
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