Global copper company First Quantum Minerals has outlined the value of its Quantum Electra-Haul, a newly patented electric trolley-assist system, which the company says will demonstrate Zambia’s mining sector as a model of global mining innovation.

The company says the electric trolley-assist system improves efficiency and has reduced the consumption of diesel at its Kansanshi and Sentinel copper and gold mines in Zambia, by hooking trucks to overhead powerlines that haul them out of the pit using electricity.

When engaged, the trolley-assist system activates the electric wheel motors, switching from the truck’s diesel engine, and resulting in diesel savings of up to 90% on up-ramps when the trucks are fully laden and consuming the most energy.

Additionally, the company says the trolley-assist technology also offers significant timesaving, with about a two minutes saved for each trolley-assist stretch, thereby reducing truck fleet requirements and improving safety by minimising equipment interactions.

First Quantum also highlights that 2025 was a record year for the company’s adoption of trolley-assist with about 500 000 km of haulage conducted across the group’s operations.

“The world needs more copper to be mined in a responsible manner. Mining is no longer just an extractive industry, and we need to contribute meaningfully to the environment and to the communities around us.

“Our patented trolley-assist solution, Quantum Electra-Haul, is a key element of this evolution,” says First Quantum mine operations and technology director Gordon White.

He adds that, by replacing diesel with renewable energy, this technology has saved an estimated 40 000 t of greenhouse-gas emissions in 2025, which, combined with the company’s other pit electrification initiatives, have yielded savings of more than 130 000 t of CO₂ at First Quantum’s Zambian operations.

“We believe this technology is pivotal for decarbonising load and haul operations. First Quantum’s long-term life-of-mine plans include significant expansion of trolley-assist technology.

“Currently we have over 15 km of trolley-assist installed across our three largest sites. This system is operational, practical and represents an economically feasible solution that will reduce emissions in global mining,” White says.

Since 2011, First Quantum has collaborated closely with original equipment manufacturers, including Liebherr, Hitachi and Komatsu, to develop truck and energy network infrastructure essential for the deployment of this technology. 

These developments signal an intent by First Quantum to increase its contribution to its Zambian mining sector while remaining committed to innovation and sustainability.