Zambia receives 31 electric-powered trucks from China for major copper mining project
Zambia has received 31 pure electric mining trucks from China to modernize its copper mining operations.
The trucks are manufactured by Breton Technology and feature advanced automation and smart fleet management systems.
The adoption of green machinery aims to improve efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of Zambia's mining industry.
The trucks, manufactured by Chinese high-tech firm Breton Technology, are slated for deployment in one of Zambia's major copper mining projects and will be operated by the African branch of China's state-owned 15th Metallurgical Construction Group.
AfricaNews reports that the trucks were supplied by Breton Technology, a Chinese high-tech firm specializing in green construction machinery. They are expected to be deployed by the African branch of China's state-owned 15th Metallurgical Construction Group as part of a major copper mining project.
Commenting on the development, 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.'
In a statement highlighting China's growing investment in Africa's mining sector, Teng Fei, head of overseas business at Breton Technology, emphasized the cutting-edge nature of the electric trucks recently sent to Zambia.
" 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," Teng said. " 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."
Zambia secures future of copper industry
The move comes as Zambia, Africa's second largest copper producer, seeks to ramp up output while cutting its carbon footprint.
Zambia's economy grew by 4% in 2023, driven by a strong rebound in copper production, which topped 820,000 tons and reaffirmed the mining sector's central role in powering the country's export earnings and economic recovery.
Supporting this ambition, China has pledged up to $5 billion in investments across Zambia's copper and cobalt sectors by 2031.
The commitment, to be delivered through the Chinese Mining Enterprise Association, aligns with Zambia's 2024 national strategy aimed at boosting production, generating jobs, and fostering innovation in the mining industry.
By adopting electric-powered machinery, the country is aligning with global trends toward greener industrial practices.
The introduction of these trucks is expected to enhance operational efficiency, lower emissions, and reduce long-term operating costs in Zambia's mining industry.
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