At this year’s Investing in African Mining Indaba, Hitachi Construction Machinery Africa used its presence to showcase its broad mining equipment range and growing focus on low-carbon and safety-driven solutions for African operations.

Mining equipment sales representative Kohei Mino noted that the company supplies machines ranging from small excavators to ultra-large 800 t-class excavators, along with rigid dump trucks with payload capacities from 180 t to 300 t. Beyond supplying equipment, the company positions itself as a solutions partner, offering parts support, manufacturing capability and integrated fleet management systems.

Mino said the event provides an opportunity to engage both existing and new customers at a strategic level, enabling discussions not only around current operations but also longer-term mine planning and technology direction.

A key focus area is decarbonisation. The company recently completed a proof-of-concept trial of a 220 t-class fully battery-electric rigid dump truck at an operating mine in Zambia, running from 2024 into last year. The trial demonstrated the viability of battery haulage in real mining conditions.

However, he stressed that no single technology fits all sites. Because battery trucks typically require trolley catenary infrastructure, the company is also developing a hybrid dump truck solution. A new proof of concept is scheduled to begin next year, with expected carbon emission reductions of about 10% to 15% without requiring major electrical infrastructure.

Regional needs are also shaping solutions. In South Africa, safety systems are a priority, while in Botswana, where skilled labour can be scarce, the company is promoting remote-operated excavators and dig-assist technologies to support productivity with less experienced operators.

Watch a video in which Hitachi Construction Machinery Africa Mining equipment sales Kohei Mino talks to Engineering News & Mining Weekly at Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town.