Zambia has received 31 fully electric mining trucks from China, a major step in modernizing its copper mining operations and strengthening economic ties with Beijing.
The trucks were manufactured by Chinese high-tech firm Breton Technology and will be used in one of Zambia’s key copper mining projects.
They are set to be operated by the African division of China’s state-owned 15th Metallurgical Construction Group.
According to AfricaNews, the trucks were supplied by Breton Technology, which specializes in environmentally friendly construction machinery.
The deployment marks the first large-scale use of electric mining trucks in a single African mining project.
Li Wenjie, chairman of the construction trade division of China 15th Metallurgical Construction Group in Africa, said, “The overseas cooperation [is] the first large-scale deployment of electric mining trucks at one go to a mining project in Africa.
It will help further upgrade the local mining equipment.”
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Highlighting the innovation behind the trucks, Teng Fei, head of overseas business at Breton Technology, said, “In terms of smart technologies, automation, and robotics, we’ve equipped the vehicles with numerous sensors for our clients to make the whole vehicle smart.
We also provide an intelligent fleet management system that allows clients to efficiently manage the fleet through smart screen displays and software systems, and boost productivity.”
The initiative supports Zambia’s broader efforts to secure the future of its copper industry.
As Africa’s second-largest copper producer, Zambia aims to increase output while reducing carbon emissions.
In 2023, the country’s economy grew by 4%, largely due to a rebound in copper production, which surpassed 820,000 tons and underscored the sector’s role in driving exports and economic growth.
China has committed up to $5 billion in investments in Zambia’s copper and cobalt industries through 2031.
This pledge, made via the Chinese Mining Enterprise Association, aligns with Zambia’s 2024 national strategy to boost production, create jobs, and foster innovation in mining.
By introducing electric-powered machinery, Zambia is following the global shift toward greener industrial practices.
The use of electric trucks is expected to improve operational efficiency, reduce emissions, and cut long-term operating costs in the mining sector.
The delivery also highlights China’s growing presence in Africa’s mining industry, where it continues to invest heavily in infrastructure, logistics, and mineral extraction under its Belt and Road Initiative.
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