Mining is the process of digging into the earth to take out useful materials like copper and gold. But big mining machines usually run on diesel, which pollutes the air. Now, something amazing is happening. In Japan and other parts of the world, giant trucks that run on electric power are being used instead. And these trucks are huge—one of them can carry 240 tons, which is like carrying over 100 elephants at once.
Let’s explore how these electric trucks work and why they matter so much.
Who Made These Big Trucks?
These super-sized electric trucks are built by some of the smartest companies in the world: Hitachi, ABB, Komatsu, and Sumitomo. They are all working together to make mining cleaner and smarter.
The idea started when Hitachi and ABB made a prototype—a test version—of the electric truck. They finished the first one in February last year. Now, more companies have joined in, and the trucks are already working in a real copper and gold mine in Zambia, a country in Africa.
How Do These Trucks Work?
These trucks use electricity instead of diesel fuel. That means they don’t release as much dirty gas into the air. But these are not normal electric vehicles like small cars. They are very special.
Here’s how they work:
- Battery Power: On flat roads, the truck uses a strong battery to move.
- Overhead Wires: When going uphill, it connects to electric wires above it—kind of like a train. This gives it more power without using up the battery.
- Regenerative Braking: When going downhill, the truck uses its brakes to make electricity and charge the battery again.
This way, the truck almost never stops. It keeps working day and night, which saves time and energy.
Why Is This So Important?
We need more and more batteries for things like phones, cars, and solar panels. That means we need more minerals like lithium, nickel, and copper. So, mining will continue to grow. But if we keep using diesel trucks, the air will get dirtier.
Electric trucks help solve this problem. They:
- Reduce pollution
- Save fuel
- Work more efficiently
The people at ABB say this project is helping the world become low-carbon, which means putting less harmful gas into the air.
What’s the Big Picture?
Experts say that by 2040, we will need 30 times more minerals than we needed in 2020 just to keep up with electric vehicles. So it’s very important that the machines we use to dig those minerals do not harm the planet.
By using electric trucks instead of diesel ones, we are taking a smart step. It’s like cleaning up while you work.
A New Way Forward
These giant trucks show that even the biggest, toughest jobs can be done in a cleaner and better way. With help from smart technology and teamwork between companies, we are finding ways to keep the planet safe while still getting the materials we need.
